# Letter 102: To Miss Arabella Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to her sister Arabella, confessing that her elopement with Lovelace was a rash and undutiful act, but one driven by her family's severity and the threat of being forced to marry Solmes. She expresses a desire to return home under reasonable conditions, pleads for leniency to restore her reputation, and requests her clothes, money, books, and jewels be sent to her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa acknowledges her undutiful appearance but justifies her rebellion as a response to her family's harsh treatment and the threat of a forced marriage.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa worries about the appearance of her actions and seeks to restore her reputation, highlighting the gap between her intentions and how they are perceived.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Author of the letter; confesses her fault but defends her actions due to family severity and the threat of Solmes.

### Arabella Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa appeals to her for friendship and leniency.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Mentioned as the brother who precipitated Clarissa's actions.

### Mr. Solmes

The man Clarissa was being forced to marry, which motivated her elopement.

## Key lines

> I have, I confess, been guilty of an action which carries with it a rash and undutiful appearance.

I admit that what I did looks impulsive and disobedient.

_Clarissa acknowledges the outward appearance of her elopement._

> had I not had too great reason to apprehend, that I was to be made a sacrifice to a man I could not bear to think of.

I had strong reason to fear I was being forced to marry a man I detested.

_Clarissa explains her motive for eloping._

> My reputation, dearer to me than life, (whatever you may imagine from the step I have taken), is suffering.

My reputation, which I value more than my life, is being damaged by this situation.

_Clarissa emphasizes the importance of her reputation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-102-to-miss-arabella-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters