Clarissa: A Captivating Story Of A Young Lady - Penguin Classics Book Review

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady is an iconic eighteenth-century novel by Samuel Richardson. This classic work of literature has been given a new life for modern readers in this Penguin Classic edition, complete with scholarly apparatus and critical commentary. With its poetic language and intricate characterization, it’s easy to see why Clarissa has remained one of the most beloved works of English literature for centuries.

The story follows the titular character, Clarissa Harlowe, as she navigates her way through a tumultuous world of family discord and romantic entanglement. Clarissa’s moral courage and sense of self are put to the ultimate test when she must make difficult decisions involving honor and reputation. The novel is full of moments that will leave any reader breathless, as Clarissa faces seemingly insurmountable obstacles in pursuit of true love and contentment.

This edition of Clarissa provides readers with an invaluable resource for understanding the text in greater depth. Scholarly apparatus such as a timeline and explanatory notes provide crucial context for understanding Richardson’s classic work, while critical essays from renowned scholars offer insightful perspectives on the novel’s characters and themes. Additionally, this edition includes an introduction by esteemed scholar Margaret Anne Doody that situates Clarissa in its historical moment and offers important insights into its lasting legacy in English literature. Whether you’re reading Clarissa for the first time or revisiting an old favorite, this Penguin Classics edition is sure to enhance your appreciation of this timeless masterpiece.

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Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady Review

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson is an epistolary novel that has been beloved and admired by readers for centuries. The story follows Clarissa, a young woman whose virtue is tested as she faces corruption, depravity, and cruelty from those who seek to take advantage of her. This Penguin Classics edition includes an introduction by Margaret Anne Doody, which gives insight into the characters and themes of the novel.

Key Features:

1) Introduction by Margaret Anne Doody that gives insight into the characters and themes of the novel.

2) Illustrations from the 1748 edition of the book.

3) Appendices, including selections from other works by Richardson.

4) Glossary of unfamiliar terms.

Through her harrowing journey, Clarissa perseveres with remarkable strength and courage. Her resilience is ultimately rewarded with a happily-ever-after ending that will make you cheer! While Richardson’s writing style can be dense at times, this classic tale is well worth the effort to read it. With its strong female protagonist and timeless themes, Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady will continue to inspire generations to come.

Product Details

Product	Details
Title	Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady
Author	Samuel Richardson
Genre	Novel
Publication Date	1748-1749

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady Pros and Cons

1. Pros
– Clarissa is a classic novel that has been beloved for centuries. It is a timeless story, full of young love, drama, and complex characters.
– A great read for any fan of literature or history, as it takes the reader on a journey through the 18th century English society.
– The novel is packed with vivid descriptions, making it easy to visualise the scenes and settings as you read.
– Its length allows readers to become truly engrossed in the story, and really get to know the characters.

2. Cons
– Clarissa’s length can be intimidating to some readers; it is not an easy book to pick up and put down frequently.
– Some find it difficult to follow the different storylines and understand the intricate relationships between all of the characters.
– The language used in the book can be quite archaic at times, which can make it difficult to comprehend for modern readers.

Who are They for

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady is an 18th century novel by Samuel Richardson and is considered to be one of the greatest works of English literature. It follows the story of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman who finds herself in an unfortunate situation when her family attempts to force her into an arranged marriage with a man she does not love. Through a series of letters, Clarissa narrates her struggle against her family and the desperate measures she must take to protect her virtue and preserve her freedom.

Richardson’s masterpiece has been praised for its psychological depth, its innovative use of letter writing as a narrative device, and its exploration of themes such as gender roles, morality, and power dynamics. Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady is widely regarded as one of the great classics of English literature and has been adapted for film, opera, and television. With its timeless themes and vivid characters, it is sure to captivate readers for generations to come.

My Experience for Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady

I was always an inquisitive person, so when a friend told me about Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady, I couldn’t resist taking a peek! The book is an 18th Century epistolary novel by Samuel Richardson, which follows the story of Clarissa Harlowe and her misfortunes in life.

The novel is written through letters, making it an incredibly personal experience. The author puts himself in Clarissa’s shoes in order to show us her emotions and feelings as she struggles through her unfortunate situation. One minute I was laughing at the humorous conversations between characters, and the next I was feeling a deep sadness for Clarissa’s plight.

I was fascinated by the way Richardson used language to bring his characters to life. Every word felt carefully chosen and crafted to express exactly what he wanted it to. It felt like I had been transported back in time, experiencing all the highs and lows of Clarissa’s journey with her.

What I found most inspiring about this Penguin Classics edition of Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady was how much heart it had. Despite its age, it still manages to captivate readers with its raw emotion and thought-provoking questions. If you’re looking for a timeless classic that will make you laugh, cry and think all at once, then look no further!

What I don’t Like

Product Disadvantages List:
1. Lengthy and complex plot
2. Difficult to follow characters
3. Challenging language
4. Outdated concepts and themes
5. Unreliable narrator

How to Read Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady

Clarissa: or The History of a Young Lady is one of the longest novels in English literature, written by Samuel Richardson in 1748. It tells the tragic story of a young woman who is trying to escape from an arranged marriage, and her attempts to maintain her virtue in spite of persistent pressure from her family and society. Clarissa, published in 1747-1748, has become one of the most beloved classic books of all time.

If you’re looking for a way to dive into this literary masterpiece, here are some tips on how to read Clarissa:

Start with an introduction. Before you begin reading Clarissa, take some time to familiarize yourself with its plot and character overviews. This will help you better understand the characters and their motivations.

Prepare yourself emotionally. Clarissa is an emotional roller coaster that will leave you feeling both happy and sad at times. Be prepared to experience a wide range of emotions while reading it.

Take notes. As you read Clarissa, jot down your thoughts and impressions about the book. This will help you stay engaged and remember important details later on.

Set aside dedicated reading time. Dedicate a set amount of time every day for reading Clarissa so that you can keep up with the story and not get lost.

Discuss your thoughts. Once you’ve finished reading Clarissa, talk about it with friends or join an online book club. This can help you gain new insights about the novel.

Clarissa is an amazing novel full of suspense, romance, and tragedy. With these tips on how to read it, you’ll be sure to have an enriching experience as you journey through this timeless classic!

Questions about Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady

What is Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady?

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady is an epistolary novel written by Samuel Richardson and first published in 1748. It follows the story of Clarissa Harlowe, a beautiful and virtuous young woman whose family has become determined to marry her off to an unscrupulous suitor. This classic work of English literature has often been praised for its psychological realism and moral tone.

What kind of format is the book available in?

Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady is available in paperback and Kindle editions from Amazon. It also comes as part of the Penguin Classics series, which includes other great works from authors such as Charles Dickens, Jane Austen, and George Eliot.

Does this edition contain any special features?

Yes! This edition of Clarissa: or the History of a Young Lady contains a new afterword by scholar Margaret Anne Doody, which offers insights into Richardson’s work and how it relates to contemporary society. Additionally, there are footnotes throughout the text, providing additional information on historical context and references.

Lloyd Kaufman

Hi, my name is Lloyd and I'm a book enthusiast. I love to read all kinds of books, from classic literature to modern fantasy, as well as non-fiction works. I also enjoy writing reviews and giving my opinion on the books that I have read.