# Letter 112: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing hope that her family will eventually reconcile with her and send her clothes and money. She reflects on her relationship with Lovelace, denying that she ever encouraged him or promised love, and insists that her correspondence with him was initially for others' sakes. She defends herself against accusations of wearing a 'veil' and questions whether Lovelace intends to humble her. Clarissa also advises Anna on the duty of obedience to parents, drawing from her own painful experience, and acknowledges Anna's advice to be more reserved with Lovelace, though she cannot bring herself to palliate her feelings.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her own judgment and virtue, defending her actions and questioning Lovelace's motives, while also acknowledging the constraints of filial duty.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa struggles with her family's rejection and her own sense of duty, advising Anna on the importance of obedience despite her own rebellion.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Anna, reflecting on her hopes for reconciliation, her relationship with Lovelace, and the duty of obedience to parents.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa responds to Anna's advice and concerns about Lovelace's pride and the bickerings with her mother.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of Clarissa's reflections; she questions his intentions and denies having encouraged him or promised love.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Mentioned as Clarissa's 'ever dear and excellent mother' who supports her request for clothes and money.

## Key lines

> You tell me, my dear, that my clothes and the little sum of money I left behind me, will not be sent me.⁠—But I will still hope.

You inform me that my belongings and the small amount of money I left behind won't be sent to me, but I continue to hope otherwise.

_Clarissa expresses hope that her family will eventually send her possessions._

> But can it be your opinion, that he intends to humble me down to the level of his mean pride?

Do you truly believe he plans to degrade me to match his petty arrogance?

_Clarissa questions whether Lovelace seeks to humiliate her._

> if obedience be a duty , the breach of it is a fault , however circumstances may differ.

If obeying one's parents is a duty, then disobeying is wrong, no matter the circumstances.

_Clarissa reflects on the principle of filial obedience, drawing from her own experience._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-112-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters