# Letter 185: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa recounts a tense morning conversation with Lovelace, in which they debate pride, merit, and the nature of their relationship. She defends her decision to seek reconciliation with her family and refuses to be rushed into marriage, insisting on her own principles of rectitude and generosity. She reflects on her motives and reaffirms her commitment to acting according to her own judgment.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her own moral judgment and refuses to be coerced by Lovelace, emphasizing her right to act according to her principles.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace attempts to manipulate Clarissa through proposals and emotional appeals, while Clarissa resists by asserting her autonomy.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter; defends her pride and principles, refuses to be pressured by Lovelace, and insists on acting according to her own sense of rectitude.

### Robert Lovelace

Engages in a heated debate with Clarissa about pride and merit; proposes settlements but is rebuffed; shows impatience and a desire to control the situation.

### Anna Howe

Addressed by Clarissa; her advice is referenced as influencing Clarissa's decisions, though Clarissa asserts her own judgment.

### Dorcas Wykes

Mentioned as bringing Lovelace's request for Clarissa's company in the morning.

## Key lines

> I think once more we seem to be in a kind of train; but through a storm.

We appear to be making progress again, but it is fraught with difficulty.

_Clarissa describes the precarious state of her relationship with Lovelace._

> True generosity is greatness of soul. It incites us to do more by a fellow-creature than can be strictly required of us.

True generosity means going beyond what is demanded, acting out of nobility of spirit.

_Clarissa defines generosity in moral terms, contrasting it with Lovelace's narrower view._

> Principles that are in my mind; that I found there; implanted, no doubt, by the first gracious Planter.

My moral principles are innate, placed in me by God.

_Clarissa asserts that her sense of right and wrong is divinely given._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-185-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters