Language In Clarissa, Evelina And Pride And Prejudice

independency bequeathed to me, am to be as dependent upon
my papa's will as a daughter ought to be who knows not
what is good for herself. This is the language of the
family now" (L13 80).
Implicit in her inheritance is Clarissa's ability to
make her own marriage without the advice of her father,
brother or uncles, a dangerous concept for the
patriarchal structure of eighteenth-century families.
Spring reminds us that the development of strict
settlement in the eighteenth century culminated with a
legal history determined to limit narrowly the ability of
women to inherit property (Law, Land and Family 144-147) .
The privileged position of male patriarchal discourse
that would dominate decisions regarding Clarissa's future
is confused, frustrated, and ultimately muffled by
Clarissa's new ability to dominate her future through her
empowered position as an independent heiress.
Grandfather Harlowefs civil will gives power to
Clarissa's indomitable and irregular individual will.
The danger for Clarissa as independent mistress is
intrinsic as we11 as extrinsic. Her newfound freedom
makes her vulnerable to the advice and urgings of Robert
Lovelace, since her financial power disrupts the family
power structure, silencing her parents, angering her