Clarissa- Power& Independance

THIS IS A SHORT PAPER ON CLARISSA BY RICHARDSON: Clarissa’s ‘presence’ within her society is not dominant nor are the surrounding people largely affected by her deceiving ‘ways.’ In the end, the person who beats her at the game through deceit and schemes is the one most affected by her. By ‘presence’ I am referring to her impact or influence towards others. Although she is a manipulative young woman, most of her family and …

…may very well be her obsession with power. She understands that once a woman is married, she forfeits all power and control to her husband. She is constantly in denial of love when Miss Howe questions her love for Lovelace. Lovelace, as a result, acknowledges this and uses it against her. The only one who Clarissa’s words have an affect on is Lovelace and he is the one who ultimately uses it against her.