Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 165: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, pleading with her not to follow her example by defying her mother and eloping.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, pleading with her not to follow her example by defying her mother and eloping. She argues that Anna's situation is different and that such a rash act would bring maternal malediction and public shame. Clarissa urges Anna to subdue her passions and obey her mother, insisting that Anna cease writing to her and instead communicate through Mr. Hickman. Clarissa expresses distress at Anna's 'flaming love' and the discomposure it causes.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa urges Anna to subdue her passions and obey her mother, emphasizing the importance of self-control and virtue in women.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa warns Anna against incurring a maternal malediction, drawing a parallel to her own paternal curse and the consequences of rebellion.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna Howe, pleading with her not to elope or defy her mother, expressing distress and concern.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa fears Anna is considering a rash act of elopement or defiance.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as a possible intermediary for correspondence; Clarissa suggests Anna use his pen.
- Robert Lovelace
A servant of Mr. Lovelace is carrying the letter to Mr. Hickman for dispatch.
Key passages
“If I must continue to write to you, I must. I know full well your impatience of control, when you have the least imagination that your generosity or friendship is likely to be wondered at.”
Clarissa acknowledges that Anna is headstrong and dislikes being restrained, especially when her generous or friendly impulses might be questioned.
Clarissa recognizes Anna's independent nature and her tendency to resist control.
“There are some points so flagrantly wrong that they will not bear to be argued upon. This is one of them.”
Some actions are so obviously wrong that they don't require debate, and Anna's proposed rashness is such a case.
Clarissa asserts that Anna's plan is clearly misguided and beyond justification.
“Learn, my dear, I beseech you, learn to subdue your own passions. Be the motives what they will, excess is excess.”
Clarissa implores Anna to control her emotions, arguing that excessive behavior is wrong regardless of the intentions behind it.
Clarissa emphasizes the importance of emotional restraint and moderation.
“My trembling writing will show you, my dear impetuous creature, what a trembling heart you have given to Your ever obliged, Or, if you take so rash a step, Your forever disobliged, Clarissa Harlowe.”
Clarissa's shaky handwriting reveals the distress Anna's threat has caused her, and she warns that if Anna proceeds, Clarissa will feel forever wronged.
Clarissa expresses deep emotional turmoil and a conditional threat to their friendship.