Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson

Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady by Samuel Richardson is an epistolary novel first published in the year 1748. The novel is considered one of the longest ones ever written in English and is often regarded as the first novel written in the English language. It is also considered to be a precursor for the modern psychological novel due to its intricate psychological portrait of its protagonist, Clarissa Harlowe.

The novel tells the story of Clarissa Harlowe, a beautiful and virtuous young lady of a wealthy family. The main plot involves Clarissa's quest to maintain her independence from her family and find a partner who will love her for her goodness instead of her wealth.

Her family is determined to force her into marrying a wealthy young man, Roger Solmes, who has a good but distant relation with the Harlowes. Clarissa continually rejects Solmes until eventually her family disowns her. She finds refuge with an old friend and generous benefactor, Anna Howe, who provided her with a place to stay.

In order to provide Clarissa with financial independence, Howe suggests that she write letters to the Harlowes in the hope of resolving their conflict and reconciling the family. This strategy works and Clarissa's family agrees to reconcile if she will marry Solmes. Clarissa agrees, although she is still not in love with Solmes, she wants to end the suffering and be reconciled with her family.

Unfortunately, on the day of the wedding, it is revealed that Solmes is an imposter, a criminal who has taken on a false identity in order to marry Clarissa. Realizing the danger she is in, Clarissa escapes and retreats to the home of her friend Colonel Morden, who has refused the marriage.

Clarissa continues to decline the offer of marriage until her parents and sisters arrive at the Earl of Bedford's house and demand that Clarissa marry Solmes or face disgrace and imprisonment. Despite her fear and despair, Clarissa stands firm and refuses to marry a man she does not love. Eventually, she is reunited with her family and they reconcile.

The novel ends with Clarissa married to the man she loves, her cousin Lovelace, and living peacefully with her family. Clarissa's suffering and fortitude throughout the novel is a testament to her great strength of character although it comes at a great price.

Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady is a classic novel but is also a relevant reminder of what can happen when we are too bound by our families' expectations, rather than our own personal desires. It is a story of struggle and pain but also of courage, resilience and ultimately conquering those obstacles in order to find happiness.