# Letter 13: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa explains to Anna Howe the family dynamics behind the push for Mr. Solmes's suit, revealing that her brother James and sister Arabella fear losing their inheritance if she marries Mr. Lovelace, as her uncles favor her. She recounts a conversation where her uncles praised Lovelace's generosity and hinted at making Clarissa a peeress, which spurred James and Arabella to undermine Lovelace and promote Solmes. Clarissa reflects on the pressure to comply and the threat of litigation over her grandfather's estate.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa faces pressure to marry Solmes to secure family unity and inheritance, while her brother and sister manipulate to protect their own interests.

### Class and Social Reputation

The family's ambition for titles and peerage drives their actions, with Clarissa's potential marriage to Lovelace seen as a path to social elevation.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa reveals the hidden motives behind her family's support for Solmes, contrasting their stated reasons with the true desire to control inheritance.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter, detailing family pressures and her reflections on Lovelace's character.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa confides in her about family intrigues.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Clarissa's brother, who opposes Lovelace to protect his inheritance and ambitions for a peerage.

### Arabella Harlowe

Clarissa's sister, who joins James in undermining Lovelace and promoting Solmes.

### Robert Lovelace

Discussed as a suitor; Clarissa recounts his generous acts and her uncles' favorable view of him.

### Mr. Solmes

The suitor promoted by Clarissa's family; described as having great fortunes but poor character.

## Key lines

> That a man who has sons brings up chickens for his own table, whereas daughters are chickens brought up for tables of other men.

James Harlowe Jr. believes sons benefit the family while daughters are burdens who require dowries to marry off.

_Clarissa quotes her brother's dismissive view of daughters, highlighting gender inequality in family inheritance._

> This little siren is in a fair way to out-uncle, as she has already out-grandfather'd, us both!

James accuses Clarissa of winning over their uncles and grandfather, threatening his and Arabella's inheritance.

_Shows James's resentment and fear of losing his privileged position._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-13-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters