Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 180: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Howe explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Norton writes to Miss Howe expressing her heartbreak over the situation in the Harlowe family, noting that no application in Clarissa's favor can succeed. She mentions a confidential letter from Mrs. Harlowe and pleads for confirmation that Clarissa's honor remains unsullied.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Mrs. Norton's desperate plea for confirmation of Clarissa's honor underscores the period's intense focus on female chastity as the cornerstone of virtue.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The Harlowe family's refusal to support Clarissa highlights the conflict between familial duty and individual autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Norton
Writes to Miss Howe, heartbroken about the Harlowe family's stance and anxious about Clarissa's honor.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Mrs. Norton's letter; Mrs. Norton seeks reassurance from her about Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The subject of Mrs. Norton's concern; her honor and virtue are anxiously discussed.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Has written a most affecting letter to Mrs. Norton, but it is kept confidential.
Key passages
“My heart is almost broken, to be obliged to let you know, that such is the situation of things in the family of my ever-dear Miss Harlowe, that there can be at present no success expected from any application in her favour.”
I am devastated to inform you that the state of affairs in Miss Harlowe's family makes any attempt to help her hopeless right now.
Mrs. Norton conveys the futility of intervening with the Harlowes.
“I hope in God that my beloved young lady has preserved her honour inviolate. I hope there is not a man breathing who could attempt a sacrilege so detestable.”
I pray that my dear young lady has kept her virtue intact, and that no man would commit such a terrible violation.
Mrs. Norton expresses her fervent hope for Clarissa's chastity.