Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 145: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe after receiving a letter from her aunt Hervey, which reveals that her father had intended to kneel to her in reconciliation before her flight.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe after receiving a letter from her aunt Hervey, which reveals that her father had intended to kneel to her in reconciliation before her flight. She laments being forced into Lovelace's power, expresses regret for not facing her family's trial, and reflects on her aversion to Solmes and her disappointment with Lovelace's character. She resolves to maintain her integrity and seek fortitude in the face of Providence's trials.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her integrity and moral superiority over Lovelace, claiming her soul is his superior, while grappling with the loss of autonomy in being 'thrown upon' him.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa reflects on her duty to her family, her regret for not facing their trial, and the conflict between her aversion to Solmes and her parents' will.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna Howe, expressing despair over being thrown upon Lovelace and regret for not standing her family's trial.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa acknowledges Anna's conflicts with her mother on her behalf.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa criticizes him as unpolite, cruel, insolent, and unwise, and declares she would give him up if reconciliation were possible.
- Mr. Solmes
Referenced as the disgustful suitor Clarissa was pressured to marry, against whom she felt an insuperable aversion.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Clarissa suspects her brother orchestrated the harsh method of presenting her to assembled friends to force her submission.
Key passages
“I may go to London, I see, or where I will. No matter what becomes of me.”
Clarissa feels abandoned by her family, as if her fate is of no concern to them.
Expresses Clarissa's sense of isolation and despair after her family's rejection.
“I find I must be his, whether I will or not; and perhaps through still greater mortifications than those great ones which I have already met with.”
Clarissa resigns herself to being forced into a relationship with Lovelace, anticipating further suffering.
Highlights Clarissa's powerlessness and foreboding about her future with Lovelace.
“I have the vanity to think my soul his soul's superior.”
Clarissa believes her moral and spiritual worth exceeds Lovelace's.
Reflects Clarissa's assertion of inner virtue despite her compromised situation.