Letter 183: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Female Agency and Virtue

  Anna urges Clarissa to assert her rights and claim her own estate, emphasizing female independence.

• Family Obligation and Rebellion

  Clarissa's family's refusal to support her and Anna's defiance of her mother's potential remarriage illustrate familial tensions.

• Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

  Anna grapples with Lovelace's deceptive past versus his recent good behavior, questioning what is true.

Characters to notice

• Anna Howe

  Writes to Clarissa with advice and concern, balancing criticism of Lovelace with pragmatic counsel.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  Recipient of the letter; Anna advises her on marriage and independence.

• Robert Lovelace

  Discussed at length; Anna notes his past vileness but recent good behavior and urges Clarissa to secure marriage.

• Antony Harlowe

  Revealed to be considering marriage to Mrs. Howe, which Anna finds troubling.

• Mrs. Howe

  Anna's mother; Antony Harlowe is reportedly disposed to marry her, causing Anna concern.

Key passages

• “How it is now, my dear, between you and Mr. Lovelace, I cannot tell. But, wicked as the man is, I am afraid he must be your lord and master.”

  I don't know the current state of your relationship with Mr. Lovelace, but despite his wickedness, I fear you may have to accept him as your husband.

  Anna expresses uncertainty and resignation about Clarissa's situation with Lovelace.

• “Support yourself, meantime, with reflections worthy of yourself. Though tricked into this man's power, you are not meanly subjugated to it.”

  In the meantime, maintain your dignity. Even though you were deceived into his control, you are not humbly enslaved to it.

  Anna encourages Clarissa to retain her self-respect despite her circumstances.