Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 120: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her doubts about Lovelace's sincerity and reformation.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her doubts about Lovelace's sincerity and reformation. She reflects on her precarious situation, considers seeking Lady Betty's protection, and shares a letter from Mrs. Greme praising Lovelace's devotion. Clarissa laments her fall from grace and warns against the dangers of inconsiderate actions, while gently chiding Anna for her treatment of Mr. Hickman.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa questions whether Lovelace's pretences to reformation are genuine or a cover for villainy, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles with her limited agency, considering independence and Lady Betty's protection, while lamenting her lost virtue and social standing.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa reflects on her suffering as punishment for vanity and hopes to serve as a warning, seeking moral redemption through her trials.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Expresses doubt about Lovelace's reformation, reflects on her fallen state, and considers seeking Lady Betty's protection.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa addresses her directly, disheartened by Anna's warnings about Lovelace, and gently criticizes her treatment of Mr. Hickman.
- Robert Lovelace
Discussed as a potential hypocrite; Clarissa questions his sincerity and his complaints about her restrictions, as reported by Mrs. Greme.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as a contrast to Lovelace; Clarissa implies Anna undervalues his worth.
- Mrs. Greme
Her letter to Mrs. Sorlings is quoted, praising Lovelace's devotion and urging Clarissa to make him happy.
- Mrs. Sorlings
Showed Clarissa a letter from her sister Mrs. Greme, which Clarissa references.
Key passages
“If his pretences to reformation are but pretences, what must be his intent? But can the heart of man be so very vile? Can he, dare he, mock the Almighty?”
Clarissa wonders if Lovelace's claims of reform are false, questioning whether anyone could be so wicked as to deceive both her and God.
Clarissa's deep suspicion of Lovelace's sincerity and moral character.
“Let me be but a warning, and I will now be contented.”
Clarissa accepts that she may serve only as a cautionary example to others, rather than a model of virtue.
Clarissa's resignation to her fallen state and desire to prevent others from similar mistakes.
“You know not, my dear, the worth of a virtuous man; and, noble-minded as you are in most particulars, you partake of the common weakness of human nature, in being apt to slight what is in your own power.”
Clarissa gently tells Anna that she undervalues the virtuous Mr. Hickman because he is readily available, a common human flaw.
Clarissa's critique of Anna's treatment of Mr. Hickman, contrasting with her own precarious situation with Lovelace.