Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 150: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing joy that her prospects have improved after Lovelace's vile letter and treatment.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing joy that her prospects have improved after Lovelace's vile letter and treatment. She urges Clarissa to marry Lovelace immediately, arguing that she should not let punctilio stand in the way. Anna contrasts Lovelace's spirited but dangerous nature with Mr. Hickman's dull but safe character. She also reveals that her mother has been meeting with Clarissa's uncle and has been strict about correspondence, even catechizing Mr. Hickman. Anna ends affectionately, reaffirming her love for Clarissa.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna's unwavering support and affection for Clarissa, despite family restrictions and personal frustrations, underscores the theme of loyal friendship.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Anna's conflict with her mother over correspondence and her defiance of parental authority reflect the tension between family duty and personal autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, urging her to marry Lovelace and expressing frustration with her mother's interference.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Anna comments on her improved prospects and advises her to proceed with marriage.
- Robert Lovelace
Discussed as Clarissa's suitor; Anna notes his handsome and genteel qualities but also his wild and intriguing nature.
- Mr. Hickman
Anna's suitor; described as dull and ungraceful but safe and reliable; he was catechized by Mrs. Howe.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother; she has been meeting with Clarissa's uncle, restricts Anna's correspondence, and scolds Mr. Hickman.
Key passages
“I am most heartily rejoiced that your prospects are so much mended; and that, as I hoped, good has been produced out of evil.”
I am very glad that your situation has improved, and that, as I hoped, something good has come from the bad events.
Anna expresses relief that Clarissa's circumstances are better after Lovelace's offensive letter.
“You have now but one point to pursue: that is marriage: let that be solemnized. Leave the rest to Providence, and, to use your own words in a former letter, follow as that leads.”
You only have one goal now: get married. Let the ceremony happen, and trust Providence for the rest, following where it leads, as you once said.
Anna strongly advises Clarissa to marry Lovelace without further delay.
“I believe Mr. Hickman treads no crooked paths; but he hobbles most ungracefully in a straight one.”
I believe Mr. Hickman is honest and straightforward, but he is awkward and clumsy even in his honesty.
Anna criticizes Mr. Hickman's lack of grace and charm despite his moral rectitude.