# Letter 10: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing astonishment and outrage at the proposal that Clarissa marry Mr. Solmes. She criticizes Clarissa's family for their avarice and envy, and urges Clarissa to be more assertive. Anna also shares her suspicions about Uncle Antony's frequent visits to her mother and hints at a growing attachment between them. She playfully probes Clarissa's feelings for Lovelace, warning her to be cautious.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Anna urges Clarissa to assert her own will against her family's coercive marriage plans, highlighting the tension between female autonomy and familial duty.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's family pressures her to marry Solmes for their own gain, while Anna encourages her to resist, illustrating the conflict between obedience and self-determination.

### Class and Social Reputation

Anna criticizes the Harlowe family's obsession with wealth and status, noting that their avarice and envy drive their decisions regarding Clarissa's marriage.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa with strong opinions against the Solmes match, criticizes Clarissa's family, and shares her observations about her mother and Uncle Antony.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of the letter; Anna addresses her directly, urging her to be more assertive and questioning her feelings for Lovelace.

### Mr. Solmes

Mentioned as the proposed suitor for Clarissa, whom Anna considers a preposterous match.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Anna criticizes his arrogance and temper, noting that his pride has made him intolerable.

### Arabella Harlowe

Mentioned as Clarissa's elder sister; Anna suggests her prospects are hindered by Clarissa's presence.

### Antony Harlowe

Anna observes his frequent visits to her mother and suspects a romantic interest between them.

## Key lines

> What odd heads some people have!—Miss Clarissa Harlowe to be sacrificed in marriage to Mr. Roger Solmes!—Astonishing!

Anna expresses disbelief and outrage that Clarissa's family would force her to marry Solmes.

_Anna's opening exclamation sets the tone of her strong disapproval of the proposed match._

> I think you might have known, that Avarice and Envy are two passions that are not to be satisfied, the one by giving, the other by the envied person's continuing to deserve and excel.

Anna suggests that the Harlowe family's greed and jealousy are insatiable, and that giving in to them only fuels their demands.

_Anna analyzes the motivations behind Clarissa's family's behavior._

> The person who will bear much shall have much to bear all the world through; it is your own sentiment, grounded upon the strongest instance that can be given in your own family; though you have so little improved by it.

Anna reminds Clarissa of her own saying that those who tolerate much will be burdened with more, and notes that Clarissa has not heeded this wisdom in her own situation.

_Anna uses Clarissa's own words to encourage her to be more assertive._

> Hannibal, we read, always advised to attack the Romans upon their own territories.

Anna playfully suggests that she will confront Clarissa on her own ground, meaning she will question Clarissa's feelings for Lovelace directly.

_Anna uses a historical analogy to introduce her probing about Clarissa's affections._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-10-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters