Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 164: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe expresses astonishment at her mother's prohibition of their correspondence but resolves to continue writing to Clarissa in secret.
What happens
Anna Howe expresses astonishment at her mother's prohibition of their correspondence but resolves to continue writing to Clarissa in secret. She offers to flee to London to aid Clarissa if necessary, discusses the silence in the Harlowe family regarding Clarissa's brother's schemes, criticizes Lovelace's companions, advises Clarissa on practical matters such as settlements and the widow lady's house, and insists that Clarissa continue to write to her with full details.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna Howe's determination to maintain correspondence and her offer to flee to London demonstrate unwavering loyalty to Clarissa.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Anna defies her mother's prohibition, balancing filial duty with her commitment to Clarissa, highlighting the tension between family authority and personal loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, defying her mother's prohibition and offering to come to London to help.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Anna urges her to continue writing and advises her on marriage settlements and living arrangements.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as offering casuistical advice that Anna should not decline correspondence with Clarissa.
- Robert Lovelace
Criticized for his companions and his silence on settlements; Anna questions his motives and calls him a 'silly fellow'.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as being absent and possibly involved with Singleton; his 'wise project' is uncertain.
Key passages
“I am astonished that my mother should take such a step—purely to exercise an unreasonable act of authority; and to oblige the most remorseless hearts in the world.”
I am shocked that my mother would act so unreasonably, just to assert her authority and please the cruelest people.
Anna criticizes her mother's prohibition as an arbitrary exercise of power.
“If I find that I can be of use to you, either by advice or information, do you think I will not give it!”
If I can help you with advice or news, of course I will.
Anna reaffirms her commitment to assist Clarissa.
“I will forbear to write to you for a few days, if nothing extraordinary happen, and till the rigour of her prohibition is abated.”
I will pause writing for a few days, unless something urgent occurs, until my mother's strict order eases.
Anna proposes a temporary halt to correspondence to appease her mother.
“I want but very little farther provocation to fly privately to London.”
I need only a little more reason to secretly run away to London.
Anna threatens to come to London if pushed further.
“By your account of your wretch’s companions, I see not but they are a set of infernals , and he the Beelzebub .”
From what you describe, his friends are a bunch of devils, and he is their chief demon.
Anna condemns Lovelace's associates as evil and him as the worst.
“The man’s a fool , to be sure, my dear—a silly fellow , at least—the wretches must put on their best before you, no doubt—Lords of the creation!”
He's certainly a fool, my dear—at least a silly man—those scoundrels surely behaved well in front of you, as if they were noble lords.
Anna mocks Lovelace and his friends for their pretentiousness.
