THIS IS A SHORT PAPER ON CLARISSA BY RICHARDSON:
             Clarissa's 'presence' within her society is not dominant nor are the surrounding people largely affected by her deceiving 'ways.' In the end, the person who beats her at the game through deceit and schemes is the one most affected by her. By 'presence' I am referring to her impact or influence towards others. Although she is a manipulative young woman, most of her family and friends (with the exception of Miss Howe) do not take her virtues seriously. She is viewed as weak because of her presence in the societal pyramid: she is young and not yet married, thus she knows no better than a child. Until she is married, she will be viewed as being stubborn and independent. Her virtues are nothing short of innocence and childish rubbish according to those around her. Miss Howe acts as a mentor for Clarissa as she matures: "Whether you like the people or not, do not, by your noble sincerity and plain-dealing, make yourself enemies. You are in the world now, you know" (294, Thursday night, April 27). Lovelace displays an especially good example of Clarissa's vulnerability and takes advantage of it. Through observing Lovelace's relationship with Clarissa's sister, she knows that he is scheming. However, in the end she reveals her own vulnerability and innocence, which was seen initially in her from family members, to be overcome by someone who plays the same deceitful game as her. She is allows herself to be extracted from her father's home (where it is safe and could have prevented her from being raped) and is ultimately raped by Lovelace. Most of the time, she maintains respect to her elders. The exception is when she knows what is asked of her is wrong. There were a couple instances when Clarissa negates the request but the opposing party does not seem to consider her response. The intrusion of relatives (and...