Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 107: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa recounts a heated debate with Lovelace, who demands more of her time and company.
What happens
Clarissa recounts a heated debate with Lovelace, who demands more of her time and company. She rebukes his impertinence and insists on her independence. Lovelace apologizes and proposes a speedy marriage, but Clarissa, torn between her situation and her pride, rejects the offer and resolves to distance herself from him.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to control her own time and actions, resisting Lovelace's demands and rejecting his proposal despite her vulnerable situation.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's professed sincerity and humility are contrasted with Clarissa's suspicion of his true motives and her recognition of his manipulative rhetoric.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the letter; expresses regret and dissatisfaction with Lovelace, insists on her autonomy, and rejects his marriage proposal.
- Robert Lovelace
Demands Clarissa's company, apologizes for his behavior, and proposes a speedy marriage, but is rebuffed.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa seeks her advice and acquittal regarding the handling of Lovelace's proposal.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as the friend through whom Clarissa sends her letter.
- Mrs. Greme
Referenced as having left Clarissa; Lovelace mentions her in the context of privacy and servants.
Key passages
“I always loved writing, and my unhappy situation gives me now enough of it; and you, I fear, too much.”
Clarissa says she has always enjoyed writing, but her current troubles give her too much to write about, and she worries she is burdening Anna with her letters.
Opens the letter with a reflection on her circumstances and her correspondence with Anna.
“I told him plainly that I should never be in humour with myself for meeting him; nor with him, for seducing me away: that my regrets increased, instead of diminished: that my reputation was wounded: that nothing I could do would now retrieve it.”
Clarissa states she will never forgive herself for meeting Lovelace or forgive him for luring her away, as her regrets grow and her reputation is irreparably damaged.
Highlights Clarissa's deep regret and sense of lost honor after eloping.
“He begged my pardon with great humility: he was afraid I would think he deserved no other answer, but that of a contemptuous silence. True love was fearful of offending.”
Lovelace apologizes humbly, saying he fears Clarissa might respond with silent contempt, and claims that true love is afraid to cause offense.
Lovelace's manipulative use of humility and the rhetoric of love to sway Clarissa.