# Letter 162: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about an unsettling incident where Mrs. Sinclair pressures her to share a bed with Miss Partington, a request Clarissa refuses due to suspicions about the household and its inhabitants. She reflects on her unease with Lovelace's associates and her growing distrust of her situation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa suspects the request to share a bed may be a trap, highlighting the gap between polite appearances and potential foul play.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa exercises her agency by refusing the request, prioritizing her safety and virtue over social niceties.

### Power and Manipulation

Mrs. Sinclair's persistent pressure and emotional appeals attempt to manipulate Clarissa into compliance.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates her refusal to share a bed with Miss Partington, expressing suspicion and discomfort with the household.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of Clarissa's letter, her confidante.

### Mrs. Sinclair

Pressures Clarissa to accommodate Miss Partington, leaving in displeasure after Clarissa's refusal.

### Robert Lovelace

Clarissa expresses displeasure with him and his companions, questioning his motives.

### Miss Partington

The young lady Mrs. Sinclair wants to share Clarissa's bed; described as less bashful than represented.

### Dorcas Wykes

Mentioned as a servant who might be put to share a bed with Miss Partington.

## Key lines

> To deny, thought I, can carry only an appearance of singularity to people who already think me singular. To consent may possibly, if not probably, be attended with inconveniencies.

Refusing will make me seem odd to those who already see me that way, but agreeing could lead to trouble.

_Clarissa weighs social perception against potential risk._

> If just , I ought to apprehend everything, and fly the house and the man as I would an infection.

If my suspicions are correct, I should fear everything and escape this house and Lovelace like a disease.

_Clarissa considers the logical consequence of her distrust._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-162-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters