# Letter 164: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

> One thing I would advise you to think of; and that is, of proper settlements: it will be to the credit of your prudence and of his justice (and the more as matters stand) that something of this should be done before you marry.

You should consider arranging proper marriage settlements beforehand; it would show your good sense and his fairness, especially given the circumstances.

_Anna advises Clarissa to secure legal and financial agreements before marriage._

> I repeat⁠—continue to write to me. I insist upon it; and that as minutely as possible: or, take the consequence.

I say again—keep writing to me. I demand it, and with all the details; otherwise, face the consequences.

_Anna insists that Clarissa maintain their correspondence in full detail._

## Links

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