Letter 151: From Miss Howe explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Family Obligation and Rebellion

  Clarissa's elopement and her conflicted feelings about continuing correspondence against parental prohibition highlight the tension between filial duty and personal autonomy.

• Female Agency and Virtue

  Clarissa's reflections on her own actions and her hope for reconciliation demonstrate her struggle to maintain virtue while navigating familial oppression.

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Anna's investigation reveals the Harlowes' deceptive change of measures, and Clarissa's regret underscores the gap between appearances and true intentions.

Characters to notice

• Anna Howe

  Writes to Clarissa with intelligence gathered about the Harlowes' change of measures, offering analysis and support.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Responds to Anna's letters, expressing regret, illness, and conflicted feelings about continuing correspondence against parental prohibition.

• Mrs. Harlowe

  Reported to have resolved to exert herself to end family feuds and support Clarissa, but her efforts were preempted by Clarissa's elopement.

• James Harlowe Jr.

  Alarmed by the prospect of a change in measures, he and Arabella resolved to push Clarissa into an inexcusable step.

• Arabella Harlowe

  Alarmed by the prospect of a change in measures, she and James resolved to push Clarissa into an inexcusable step.

• Mr. John Harlowe

  Mentioned as a potential ally; Clarissa hopes to apply to him for reconciliation.

Key passages

• “I have been making inquiry, as I told you I would, whether your relations had really (before you left them) resolved upon that change of measures which your aunt mentions in her letter; and by laying together several pieces of intelligence... I have reason to think the following a true state of the case.”

  Anna has investigated whether Clarissa's family truly planned to change their approach before she left, and she believes she has uncovered the truth.

  Anna's investigative efforts reveal the family's strategic shift.

• “That there was no intention of a change of measures till within two or three days of your going away. On the contrary, your brother and sister, though they had no hope of prevailing with you in Solmes's favour, were resolved never to give over their persecutions till they had pushed you upon taking some step...”

  The family had no plan to change until just before Clarissa left; James and Arabella intended to persecute her until she made a misstep.

  Clarissa's siblings deliberately provoked her into a rash action.

• “But that, at last, your mother (tired with, and, perhaps, ashamed of the passive part she had acted) thought fit to declare to Miss Bell, that she was determined to try to put an end to the family feuds, and to get your uncle Harlowe to second her endeavours.”

  Eventually, Clarissa's mother decided to end the family conflict and enlist Uncle Harlowe's support.

  Mrs. Harlowe's belated intervention was preempted by Clarissa's elopement.

• “I see with great regret that your mamma is still immovably bent against our correspondence. What shall I do about it?—It goes against me to continue it, or to wish you to favour me with returns.—Yet I have so managed my matters that I have no friend but you to advise with.”

  Clarissa regrets that Anna's mother forbids their correspondence, but she has no other friend to turn to for advice.

  Clarissa's isolation deepens her dependence on Anna's friendship.

• “A ray of hope of future reconciliation darts in upon my mind, from the intention you tell me my mother had to exert herself in my favour, had I not gone away.”

  Clarissa finds hope in the news that her mother intended to help her, suggesting possible future reconciliation.

  Clarissa clings to the possibility of mending family ties.