Remarks on Clarissa (1749)   By: Sarah Fielding (1710-1768)

In "Remarks on Clarissa" by Sarah Fielding, readers are taken on an insightful journey through the world of Samuel Richardson's groundbreaking novel, "Clarissa." As Fielding delves into the narrative, she offers a nuanced analysis, both praising and critiquing the characters, themes, and writing style found within Richardson's work.

Fielding's exploration begins with an assessment of the novel's protagonist, Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman beaten down by societal expectations and facing an unrelenting struggle for autonomy. Fielding highlights Clarissa's strength and fortitude in the face of adversity, admiring Richardson's depiction of a female character who dares to challenge the prescribed gender roles of the 18th century.

However, Fielding also presents some reservations regarding Clarissa's nature, noting that her constant wavering between virtue and self-sacrifice can be tiresome for readers. Fielding argues that while Clarissa's moral righteousness is admirable, it sometimes feels exaggerated and detached from realism.

Throughout her analysis, Fielding frequently draws comparisons between Clarissa and another prominent character, Lovelace, who serves as the novel's antagonist. Fielding acknowledges the complexity of Lovelace's character, acknowledging Richardson's success in creating a multi-dimensional villain. Yet, she expresses her dissatisfaction with his inconsistent portrayal of Lovelace's intentions, sometimes making him appear more like a caricature than a fully developed character.

Fielding also explores the intricate web Richardson weaves through the numerous side characters, applauding his ability to seamlessly integrate their stories into the larger tapestry of the novel. She particularly admires his skill in shifting between various narrative perspectives, providing readers with a diverse range of voices and insights into the central plot.

In addition to analyzing the characters, Fielding closely examines the novel's societal and moral themes. She praises Richardson's exploration of the constraints faced by women in a patriarchal society, highlighting how he challenges traditional power dynamics. Fielding commends Richardson for his thought-provoking commentary on societal norms, where women are often deprived of agency.

However, she also asserts that Richardson's moralizing tendencies occasionally hinder the novel's flow, as his constant digressions into instructive passages can feel didactic and overly didactic. Fielding suggests that Richardson could have achieved a more balanced narrative by allowing room for readers to interpret and reflect on the novel's moral dilemmas independently.

Throughout "Remarks on Clarissa," Sarah Fielding offers an astute analysis of Samuel Richardson's seminal work, shedding light on its strengths and weaknesses. Her insights provide a valuable lens through which readers can gain a deeper appreciation for "Clarissa" and its impact on 18th-century literature. Overall, Fielding's commentary offers a captivating exploration of the novel's characters, themes, and style, making it a must-read for any lover of 18th-century literature or literary criticism.

First Page:

Perhaps an Address of this Nature may appear very unaccountable, and whimsical; when I assure you, my Design is fairly to lay before you all the Criticisms, as far as I can remember them, that I have heard on your History of Clarissa ; from the Appearance of the two first Volumes, to the Close of the Work. I have not willingly omitted any one Objection I have heard made to your favourite Character, from her first Appearance in the World; nor, on the contrary, have I either diminished or added to the favourable Construction put on her Words or Actions... Continue reading book >>