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Clarissa
is based on the novel of the same name, written by Samuel
Jackson. The novel is set in Georgian England, and
revolves around Clarissa Harlowe, a virtuous heiress. When Clarissa comes into her Grandfather's inheritance, there is much jealousy and sibling rivalry. This is heightened even more when Robert Lovelace, (Sean Bean) forsakes the charms of Clarissa's sister Bella, for Clarissa. Clarissa, desperate to escape the clutches of her family, who have virtually imprisoned her in her own home, and are attempting to betroth her to someone she will not accept at any cost, believes the lies of the incorrigible Lovelace and flees to London with him under his "protection" Clarissa soon begins to realise that she has made a terrible mistake as she encounters lies and deception at every turn. Lovelace is a treacherous rake who is plotting Clarissa's downfall, as she is part of a wager, that Lovelace can succeed in seducing a virgin who is renowned for her piety. The wager however soons falls by the wayside, as the seduction of Clarissa becomes a personal challenge for Lovelace, a challenge which totally consumes him, and which eventually leads him to force his effections upon Clarissa. An act which has dire consequences for Lovelace and imposes on Clarissa an emotional burden that she cannot bear to live with. |
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For details of
where to purchase please see Bean
Goodies
Deborah Mattingly Conner's Clarissa page - an in-depth analysis
The Compleat Sean Bean Clarissa page
Bean There Doone That - review of Clarissa
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