Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 182: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Harlowe writes privately to Mrs. Norton, pouring out her grief over Clarissa's elopement. She recalls Clarissa's former virtues and the pride the family took in her, but insists that her premeditated fault is unforgivable. She refuses to plead for reconciliation, citing family opposition and her own helplessness, and asks Mrs. Norton to keep their correspondence secret.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Mrs. Harlowe struggles between her maternal love and the family's demand for punishment, highlighting the conflict between duty and affection.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa's former virtuous appearance is contrasted with her 'premeditated' fault, and Mrs. Harlowe fears the world will assume the worst.
Suffering and Redemption
Mrs. Harlowe prays for Clarissa's repentance and suffering, while herself enduring the torment of a mother's broken heart.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Harlowe
Writes a heart-wrenching letter to Mrs. Norton, torn between maternal love and family duty, ultimately refusing to advocate for Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Remembered as a paragon of virtue and talent; now seen as a disgrace due to her elopement with Lovelace.
- Mrs. Norton
The recipient of the letter, trusted confidante and former nurse to Clarissa, urged to keep the correspondence secret.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned indirectly as the friend Clarissa once saved from marrying a libertine, highlighting Clarissa's hypocrisy.
- Robert Lovelace
Described as a vile and notorious libertine, whose character casts doubt on Clarissa's virtue.
- Mr. Hickman
His insinuated application for Clarissa has been discouraged by Antony Harlowe.
Key passages
“You know how dear this ungrateful creature ever was to us all.”
You know how much we once loved this ungrateful girl.
Mrs. Harlowe expresses the depth of former affection now turned to pain.
“Her fault was a fault of premeditation, of cunning, of contrivance.”
Her mistake was planned and deliberate, not impulsive.
Mrs. Harlowe emphasizes Clarissa's calculated disobedience.
“What a torment is it to have a will without a power!”
How painful it is to want to help but be unable to do so.
Mrs. Harlowe laments her lack of influence in the family.