"Clarissa Harlowe," written after "Pamela," brought Richardson
a European reputation. The first four volumes of the novel
appeared in 1747, the last four in 1748, and during the next
few years translations were being executed in French and
German. Like "Pamela," the story itself is thin and simple,
but the characters are drawn with a bolder and surer touch.
"No work had appeared before," says Scott, "perhaps none has
appeared since, containing so many direct appeals to the
passions." Yet opinions were singularly divided as to its
merits. Dr. Johnson said that the novel "enlarged the
knowledge of human nature."


_I.--At Harlowe Place_


CLARISSA is persecuted by her family to marry Mr. Roger Solmes, but
favours Richard Lovelace, who is in love with her. That her grandfather
had left Clarissa a considerable estate accounts mainly for the
hostility of the family to Clarissa's desire for independence.

Clarissa writes to her friend, Miss Howe:

"_January_ 15. The moment, my dear, that Mr. Lovelace's visits were
mentioned to my brother on his arrival from Scotland he expressed his
disapprobation, declaring he had ever hated him since he had known him
at college, and would never own me for a sister if I married him.