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Clarissa, or, the History of a Young Lady -- Letters 1 -- 6

Discussion is open!

I have read a few epistolary novels in the past, and particularly like this style of narrative. In the first 6 letters as Clarissa is writing to her friend and confidant Miss Howe she is giving an honest account of the events that have taken place. Although I would be interested to see other perceptions such as Mr Lovelace which I understand will come later on.

I don’t know anything about this book so I’m keen to see what happens next!

Letter 1 -- January 10 (Miss Anna Howe to Miss Clarissa Harlowe)

What a great start -- a concerned but gossipy letter from a best friend! This is what I heard, is it true, people are all talking about it, it can't be true, tell me everything!! Definitely makes you want to know more and keep reading.

I imagine myself as one of Richardson's first readers. The book was serialized over a year, so you would have a smaller publication, not the 1200+ tome we have to deal with.

The first 6 letters are interesting, promising. The story has just begun to develop and I am very interested in the background of such hostility towards Mr Lovelace.

I have also read the first 6 letters to get up to date and it’s very intriguing indeed. I picture those days where people’s only entertainment and source of updates were letters. I wait in anticipation to see how this story pans out, but I’m already captivated.

Agree with all the the intro was particularly eye-catching and makes you want to know what the gossip is.

I recall when I had just read the first letters I thought different people were going to be villains than has turned out to be true (well- to some extent), won't give anything away though. Although I will say I was immediately set against Clarissa's brother and that evaluation has not changed as I've read on.

Same here! Waiting to learn more about this Lovelace fellow. Definitely lures you into the story with the delay and suspense. Is this how they spoke in the 18th century. It’s a bit like going to another country where you don’t know the dialect, but understand the language.

I have read through these first 6 letters 3 times and find something new each time. So far we only know Clarissa's point of view and she occasionally describes Mr. Lovelace in favorable terms. I'm curious as to Mr. Lovelace's intentions -- some say he's a spendthrift which might mean he needs to marry a wealthy wife, some say he's getting out of debt on his own. Did he intentionally make Arabella refuse him? Clarissa is apparently wealthier than her sister, so did Lovelace decide to pursue the daughter with her own property? Is it love or conquest?

James, her brother, is overbearing and arrogant to everyone. Clarissa makes a slight reference to wishing her friend had become her sister. Was this just idle daydreaming or was there something between her friend and James and why did they fall out.

So many questions! Can't wait to read Lovelace's side of the story.

Just starting this -- will have to catch up quickly! Sounds interesting anyway.