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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. Why does Clarissa run away after the fire at Widow Sinclair's house?

2. In letters 22-36, does Clarissa want to marry Solmes or Lovelace?

3. When Mr. Lovelace proposes marriage to Arabella, why does she say no?

4. How does Clarissa know what Lovelace and Tomlinson said to each other?

5. What important news does Colonel Morden's letter contain?

Short Essay Questions

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

2. It seems almost impossible for Clarissa to escape Lovelace. What factors combine to make it so hard for Clarissa to escape?

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

4. 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?

5. Describe Mr. Lovelace's character as it has been revealed in Letters 1-10.

6. How does Clarissa's will continue to develop her character?

7. How does Mr. Hickman compare to Lovelace and Solmes?

8. 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.

9. After Clarissa reveals that Lovelace used drugs to ravish her, the Howes suggest legal action. Why do you think no one brought up this idea before?

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

Compare and contrast three of the places Clarissa lives during the book. How does each setting reflect the people who live in it and Clarissa's situation at the time she lives there?

Essay Topic 2

Compare and contrast Widow Lovick and Widow Sinclair. Why is the status of each woman as a widow important?

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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