# Letter 119: Miss Howe, to Mis Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing her mixed feelings about Lovelace's apparent candor and self-accusations. She advises Clarissa to marry the canon as soon as possible, while also criticizing her for meeting Lovelace. Anna repeats her offer of financial assistance and conveys Mr. Hickman's respects.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Anna grapples with Lovelace's apparent candor, questioning whether his self-accusations are genuine or a cunning strategy to disarm suspicion.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Anna's unwavering support for Clarissa is evident in her repeated offers of help and her critical advice, demonstrating deep loyalty.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa with caution and concern, analyzing Lovelace's character and advising on next steps.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; Anna addresses her with affection and offers repeated support.

### Robert Lovelace

Discussed at length; Anna questions his sincerity and motives despite his apparent openness.

### Mr. Hickman

Sends his compliments and offers of service to Clarissa through Anna.

### Joseph Leman

Mentioned as a tool used by Lovelace in his schemes.

## Key lines

> His ingenuousness is the thing that staggers me: yet is he cunning enough to know, that whoever accuses him first, blunts the edge of an adversary’s accusation.

His frankness confuses me, but he is clever enough to realize that confessing first weakens any criticism against him.

_Anna analyzes Lovelace's strategy of preemptive confession._

> I have wished fifty times, since Lovelace got you away, that you were rid of him, whether it were by a burning fever, by hanging, by drowning, or by a broken neck; provided it were before he laid you under a necessity to go into mourning for him.

I have often wished you were free of Lovelace by any means, even death, as long as it happened before he forced you to mourn him.

_Anna expresses her extreme desire for Clarissa's escape from Lovelace._

## Links

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