Clarissa Principles

Daddy Harlowe thinks Clarissa is lacking morally, and he isn't afraid to tell her so. But we can't tell if he's just laying it on thick with the moral stuff in order to make her obey him, or if he really does think she's violating an important principle. 

Clarissa's B.S. detector is pretty good, and she catches on right away that Lovelace doesn't have much in the way of principles. Then again, she clearly thinks she can change Lovelace for the better, so maybe we won't take advice from her <em>just</em> yet. 

Okay, so Clarissa isn't above mere mortals. She's definitely attracted to Lovelace, but she's determined not to cave in and do something she'll regret. Too bad that her principles don't stand up to rape and drugging. 

Lovelace is pleased as punch because he thinks Clarissa has prevented him from further mischief. But does it count if he's planning to do something extra-terrible? And do you really want to let your moral behavior be dictated by someone else?

Anna always sees right through Lovelace's schemes. Seems like she's subtly hinting that Clarissa's morals might easily be corrupted—even if she's the only one who thinks so. 

If we had to sum up Clarissa's approach to life in a word, "over-scrupulousness" wouldn't be a bad pick. Brain Snack: "over-scrupulousness" was a religious thing back in the eighteenth-century. It meant that you were just a leeeetle too concerned about following all the rules, and it was considered just about as bad as being a flat-out sinner. (Here's a modern look at it.)

When Lovelace does something immoral with Clarissa nearby, her only recourse is to give him the silent treatment. A little juvenile, but it's a classic for a reason—at least she gets to stick to her principles, even in a slightly unprincipled way. 

Lovelace is totally tongue-in-cheek here, even though it ends up being true. Too bad that it takes Clarissa dying to instill any principles in the guy. 

Belford's got some major insults up his sleeve: not only does he consider Lovelace to be totally vile, but he thinks Clarissa is way out of his league—morally, at least. 

Although this seems like it could easily be addressed to Clarissa, it's Mrs. Harlowe telling Mrs. Norton to keep her nose out of family business. Clarissa's reputation for "virtuous prudence" is basically in shambles at this point.