An Examination of the Prose Style of Clarissa and of Lovelace

Abstract

<p>This dissertation gives a close analysis of the letters of Clarissa and Lovelace written after five crucial incidents in the novel. Based on structuralist assumption that language constructs and shapes our world, this thesis examines the writing style of the two main characters of Clarissa. The manner of linguistic expression of these characters is considered: i.e., diction; choice of words, tone, sentence structure and syntax, the types of figurative language; imagery, and rhetorical devices. In the process, we discover that Richardson uses style to reveal character and the unconscious. How a writer says whatever he says is as important as what he says.</p> <p>In the last few years, much critical attention has been paid to Lovelace. His attractiveness as a dashing young rake cannot be denied. However, some of Richardson's main aims in writing Clarissa are to "warn the inconsiderate and thoughtless of the one sex against the base arts and designs of specious contrivers of the other," and to warn young people against the notion that "a reformed rake makes the best husband." Lovelace claims to be reformed, but his style, unaltered from beginning to end, shows that he is not. This paper shifts the attention away from Lovelace to the true heroine of the novel, Clarissa. She is in fact Richardson's idea of "christianity... thrown into action." His portrayal of her makes him truly worthy of the<br />title "master in the delineation of the female heart."</p>