# Letter 141: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Hervey explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to her aunt Mrs. Hervey, expressing distress over not receiving a reply to her previous letter. She encloses a copy of that letter and pleads for her aunt's intercession in achieving a reconciliation with her family on less harsh terms. Clarissa requests the return of her clothes, money, and belongings, and hints at her miserable situation, though she notes that the person from whom she expected evil has behaved well so far. She asks for a reply directed to Mr. Osgood's near Soho-square.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa seeks reconciliation with her family while asserting her own terms, highlighting the tension between duty and personal autonomy.

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa describes her mortification and misery, hoping for a return to favor and relief from her destitute state.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to her aunt, seeking reconciliation and the return of her belongings; expresses mortification and hints at her difficult circumstances.

### Mrs. Hervey

Addressee of the letter; Clarissa's aunt, from whom she seeks favor and intercession with the family.

### Robert Lovelace

Mentioned indirectly as 'the person from whom every evil was to be apprehended,' but Clarissa notes his behavior has been unobjectionable so far.

### Arabella Harlowe

Clarissa mentions having written to her sister for her belongings.

### Mr. Osgood

His house near Soho-square is given as the address for replies.

## Key lines

> I am in some hopes that it may have miscarried: for I had much rather it should, than to have the mortification to think that my aunt Hervey deemed me unworthy of the honour of her notice.

I hope my previous letter was lost, because it would be less painful than believing you think me unworthy of a reply.

_Clarissa expresses anxiety about being ignored by her aunt._

> If you are permitted to encourage an eclaircissment of what I hint, I will open my whole heart to you, and inform you of everything.

If you are allowed to pursue an explanation of what I suggest, I will tell you everything honestly.

_Clarissa offers full disclosure if her aunt can facilitate a clarification._

## Links

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