Letter 54 Commentary

This letter demonstrates the complete state of despair Clarissa is in at this point in the novel. Not only is her whole family angry with her and want her gone, but she has no idea about where to go. In the letter that Arabella writes to Clarissa, she implies that her family believes this is all due to Lovelace. She further explains how Clarissa was not like this before, but her negative qualities are being brought out by him. This letter reflects much tension and confusion because this is a turning point for Clarissa, she knows she can’t stay home, and must come to terms what that she is truly feeling. The poem in this letter demonstrates the situation Clarissa is in successfully. It notes many of the confusions Clarissa is dealing with at this point in her life, it seems she is trying to sort out what is wrong and right.-JP