# Letter 129: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-129-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters