# Letter 145: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters