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This test consists of 5 short answer questions, 10 short essay questions, and 1 (of 3) essay topics.

Short Answer Questions

1. In letters 31-36, what does Lovelace tell his friend Belford about his feelings for Clarissa?

2. What does the Widow Sinclair overhear that makes her angry with Clarissa?

3. How does Miss Howe recommend Clarissa save her reputation?

4. What does Lord M promise to do if Lovelace marries Clarissa but is a bad husband?

5. Why does Lovelace swear to get revenge on Mr. Howe and James?

Short Essay Questions

1. Lovelace says he does not want to use force, but he doesn't know how to overcome Clarissa's will. What options does he have?

2. Does Clarissa have the information she needs to decide whether or not to marry Lovelace? Why or why not?

3. What options does Clarissa have other than seeking protection with Lovelace's aunt?

4. In letter 31, we see one of Lovelace's own letters for the first time. Does he seem different than you expected, or about the same? Why and how?

5. How does Clarissa selling her clothes to pay for her funeral reflect on her situation?

6. What do you think Clarissa's last request is, and why?

7. In letters 1-21, Clarissa's family tries to control her behavior. Discuss at least two of her family members and explain their motivations to behave the way they do toward her.

8. Why do you think Richardson decided to include Belton's death scene in the novel? What purpose does this scene serve?

9. Do you think it's right for Miss Howe to wear mourning clothes, even though Clarissa told her not to? Why or why not?

10. Why do you think Clarissa keeps refusing the money people offer her?

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

The role of women in eighteenth-century society is important in understanding what happens to Clarissa. Analyze how the social norms for young women determine what options are available to Clarissa at each point in the novel.

Essay Topic 2

Discuss the treatment of prostitutes in "Clarissa." How do other characters, both male and female, regard the prostitutes? What kind of character do Polly and Sally reveal? Are there any sympathetic or positive representations of prostitutes in this novel?

Essay Topic 3

There is a great deal of irony in "Clarissa," including verbal irony, dramatic irony and situational irony. Give an example of each kind of irony and discuss its effect on the reader.

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