Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 129: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing relief that Anna approves of her move to London, but is deeply troubled by the disagreement between Anna and her mother.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing relief that Anna approves of her move to London, but is deeply troubled by the disagreement between Anna and her mother. She insists on knowing the full details, and offers to accept financial help from Anna only if it can be done without forcing Anna to lie. Clarissa also laments her inability to have her servant Hannah, and sends two guineas for her. She is hurt by her uncle's cruel insinuations, which she blames on her brother James.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa grapples with her family's harsh judgments and her brother's manipulations, while trying to maintain her integrity and independence.
Friendship and Loyalty
Clarissa's deep bond with Anna is evident as she seeks comfort and offers to accept financial help, while also worrying about Anna's conflict with her mother.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna, expressing distress over the quarrel between Anna and her mother, and her own family's harsh treatment.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa's dear friend, whose disagreement with her mother causes Clarissa great affliction.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother, with whom Anna has had a debate; Clarissa worries about the situation.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Clarissa's hard-hearted brother, whom she blames for her uncle's cruel insinuations.
- Hannah Burton
Clarissa's worthy servant, who is ill and cannot come to her; Clarissa sends two guineas for her.
Key passages
“I am glad, my dear friend, that you approve of my removal to London.”
I am relieved that you support my decision to move to London.
Clarissa seeks validation from Anna for her recent actions.
“Faulty people should rather deplore the occasion they have given for anger than resent it.”
Those who have done wrong should regret causing anger rather than feeling offended by it.
Clarissa reflects on her own culpability in her family's displeasure.
“This is all my hard-hearted brother’s doings!—His surmisings:—God forgive him—prays his injured sister!”
My cruel brother is entirely to blame for these false suspicions—may God forgive him, prays his wronged sister.
Clarissa directly accuses James of poisoning their uncle's mind against her.