# Letter 134: Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-134-miss-clarissa-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters