Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 134: Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently reproaching her for her critical and supercilious treatment of Mr.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently reproaching her for her critical and supercilious treatment of Mr. Hickman, defending his modest and worthy character, and reflecting on the nature of modesty versus confidence. She also declines Anna's repeated offers of financial assistance, wishing to keep their correspondence free of such obligations.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Clarissa's candid yet affectionate reproach to Anna demonstrates the depth and honesty of their friendship.
Class and Social Reputation
The discussion of Mr. Hickman's modesty versus confidence touches on social expectations and the reputation of men in courtship.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
The author of the letter, who defends Mr. Hickman and gently criticizes Anna's behavior.
- Anna Howe
The recipient of the letter, reproached for her superciliousness toward Mr. Hickman.
- Mr. Hickman
Defended by Clarissa as a modest and worthy man, unfairly treated by Anna.
Key passages
“Mr. Hickman, my dear, is a modest man. I never see a modest man, but I am sure (if he has not wanted opportunities) that he has a treasure in his mind, which requires nothing but the key of encouragement to unlock it, to make him shine”
Mr. Hickman is modest, and I believe that with a little encouragement, his inner worth would become evident.
Clarissa defends Hickman's character, arguing that modesty hides a valuable mind.
“I am very desirous that you should be able to aver, without the least qualifying or reserve, that nothing of that sort has passed between us.”
I want you to be able to honestly say that no financial arrangement has occurred between us.
Clarissa declines Anna's offer of money, wishing to keep their friendship free of such transactions.