Clarissa Harlowe

Set in the 18th century, this novel follows the tumultuous life of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman from a respectable family who faces the challenges of love, betrayal, and societal expectations. Clarissa's struggle against the manipulative Lovelace, who seeks to undermine her virtue, highlights themes of autonomy and the moral dilemmas of her time. Through letters and narrative, Richardson explores the complexities of human relationships and the consequences of choices, making it a pivotal work in the development of the novel as a literary form.