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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. When Clarissa seems willing to marry Lovelace in order to reconcile with her family, why does that bother Lovelace?

2. Who is Mrs. Townsend?

3. What does Clarissa say about Mrs. Howe's refusal to help her?

4. Why does Clarissa refuse to follow James's command to go to her Uncle Antony's house?

5. When Clarissa threatens to commit suicide in the dining room, what weapon does she have with her?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. After Lovelace has his "debate" with the God of Love, do you believe he has really changed his intentions toward Clarissa?

3. What do you think Lovelace means when he says he loves Clarissa? In other words, how do you think Lovelace would define love?

4. Do you think that Lovelace's family is doing the right thing by encouraging him to marry Clarissa? Why or why not?

5. Dolly says that if she were in Clarissa's position, she would marry Lovelace. What do you think Clarissa should do?

6. What do you expect the provisions of Clarissa's will are like?

7. What is the point of Clarissa leaving nothing to James, Arabella or Lovelace?

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 Clarissa's situation after she runs off with Lovelace is worse than what would have happened to her if she had stayed at her parents?

10. Explain why Clarissa would think she has a "duty" to ask her family to give her a last blessing.

Essay Topics

Write an essay for ONE of the following topics:

Essay Topic 1

Choose any one of the major characters (Clarissa, Lovelace, Belford or Miss Howe). Does the character change during the novel? Why or why not? Does the way the other characters view the character you chose match the way you view the character? Why or why not?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Belford and Lovelace. Both of them are strongly effected by their relationship with Clarissa. Compare and contrast their responses to her.

Essay Topic 3

The theme of will power is important in "Clarissa." Discuss the role of will power in relationship to (a) Clarissa, (b) Lovelace, and (c) any one of the other characters. Be sure to describe what kinds of goals each of these characters wants to achieve and how they demonstrate (or do not demonstrate) the ability to achieve their will.

(see the answer keys)

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