# Letter 183: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa with mixed feelings about Lovelace, acknowledging his past wickedness but noting recent good behavior and urging Clarissa to consider marrying him. She advises Clarissa to assert her independence and claim her own estate. Anna also reveals that Clarissa's uncle Antony is considering marrying Mrs. Howe, which distresses her.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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