# Letter 122: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, describing Lovelace's sudden humility and his apparent acceptance of her terms for reconciliation with her family. He shows her parts of letters from Lady Betty Lawrance and Miss Montague, which express support for their marriage. Clarissa remains wary of Lovelace's variable nature, calling him a 'perfect Proteus' and a 'chameleon,' and questions his sincerity.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa describes Lovelace as a 'perfect Proteus' and 'chameleon,' highlighting his ability to change his appearance and deceive, making her question the sincerity of his sudden humility.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter, expressing confusion and wariness about Lovelace's sudden change in behavior.

### Robert Lovelace

Shows humility and agrees to Clarissa's terms for reconciliation, but Clarissa doubts his sincerity.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa seeks her judgment on Lovelace's motives.

### Lady Betty Lawrance

Writes a letter to Lovelace expressing support for Clarissa and hopes for their marriage.

### Miss Charlotte Montague

Writes a sprightly letter congratulating Lovelace and expressing eagerness to meet Clarissa.

## Key lines

> He is a perfect Proteus. I can but write according to the shape he assumes at the time.

He is constantly changing his demeanor, and I can only describe him as he appears to me in each moment.

_Clarissa expresses her frustration with Lovelace's unpredictable and deceptive nature._

> I am a most unhappy creature, proceeded he: unhappy from a strange impatiency of spirit, which I cannot conquer.

He said he is very unhappy because of a restless impatience he cannot control.

_Lovelace admits to a character flaw, but Clarissa remains skeptical of his sincerity._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-122-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters