# Letter 100: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing unwavering support and admiration for her friend's integrity despite the family's harsh treatment. She recounts a visit from Uncle Antony, who attempted to turn Mrs. Howe against Clarissa, leading to a prohibition on their correspondence. Anna defies this, vowing to continue writing. She advises Clarissa to consider marrying Lovelace if a good opportunity arises, or to secure her own estate. Anna offers financial assistance and arranges a new channel for their letters via Mr. Hickman. She also relays the family's reaction to Clarissa's flight, including a staged alarm by Joseph Leman, and warns Clarissa about Lovelace's potential duplicity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Anna Howe's unwavering support for Clarissa, defying her mother's prohibition and offering financial help, exemplifies deep loyalty and friendship.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's family drives her to extreme measures, and Anna rebels against her mother's restrictions, highlighting the tension between familial duty and personal autonomy.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The family's false narrative of Clarissa's flight and Joseph Leman's staged alarm illustrate the theme of deception and the gap between appearance and reality.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes passionately in support of Clarissa, defying her mother's prohibition on correspondence and offering financial aid.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of the letter; praised for her noble character and integrity, and advised on how to handle Lovelace and her family.

### Mrs. Howe

Anna's mother, who after Uncle Antony's visit prohibits correspondence with Clarissa and becomes watchful and restrictive.

### Antony Harlowe

Visits Mrs. Howe to turn her against Clarissa, contributing to the family's harsh stance.

### Robert Lovelace

Referred to as 'the wretch' and 'plotting wretch'; Anna advises Clarissa to either marry him or escape his influence.

### Mr. Hickman

Intercedes with Mrs. Howe on Clarissa's behalf and arranges a new correspondence channel via a farmer named Filmer.

## Key lines

> You are the same noble creature you ever were. Above disguise, above art, above attempting to extenuate a failing.

Anna affirms that Clarissa remains honest and virtuous, never hiding or excusing her mistakes.

_Anna's praise underscores Clarissa's integrity despite her family's accusations._

> I should think myself the unworthiest of creatures, could I be brought to slight a dear friend, and such a meritorious one, in her distress. I would die first—And so I told my mother.

Anna declares she would rather die than abandon Clarissa in her time of need, and she has told her mother as much.

_This shows Anna's fierce loyalty and defiance of her mother's prohibition._

> If I find it to be so, and that Hickman, in order to make a merit with me, is in the low plot, I will never bear him in my sight.

Anna threatens to reject Mr. Hickman if she discovers he is colluding with her mother to pressure her into marriage.

_Anna's suspicion reflects her distrust of manipulation, even from a suitor._

## Links

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