Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 111: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, defending her own quarrels with her mother and urging Clarissa not to be overly self-accusatory.
What happens
Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, defending her own quarrels with her mother and urging Clarissa not to be overly self-accusatory. She reports that Clarissa's family has refused to send her money and clothes, and advises Clarissa to accept her offers of help and to adopt a more strategic approach in her dealings with Lovelace, balancing sweetness with reserve. Anna also touches on her own relationship with her mother and Mr. Hickman, and expresses deep concern for Clarissa's uncertain situation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna encourages Clarissa to maintain her spirit and strategic reserve, asserting her own agency despite familial oppression.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna defies her mother's prohibition to continue corresponding with Clarissa, demonstrating steadfast loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, defending her own conduct with her mother and offering advice and support.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Anna urges her not to weaken under oppression and to accept help.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother, who has been influenced by Clarissa's uncle and siblings to prohibit correspondence.
- Robert Lovelace
Anna discusses Clarissa's interactions with him, advising her to manage his pride and not show regret.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as Mrs. Howe's favorite, whose kind words can improve her mood.
Key passages
“Don't let dejection and disappointment, and the course of oppression which you have run through, weaken your mind, my dearest creature, and make you see inconveniencies where there possibly cannot be any.”
Do not allow sadness and the hardships you have endured to cloud your judgment and make you imagine problems where none exist.
Anna urges Clarissa to remain strong and clear-headed.
“I doubt you must engage his pride , which he calls his honour : and that you must throw off a little more of the veil.”
I suspect you will need to contend with his pride, which he mistakes for honor, and you should be a bit less reserved with him.
Anna advises Clarissa to be more open and less guarded in her dealings with Lovelace.