# Letter 186: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa receives Lovelace's formal marriage proposals, which include generous financial settlements and jointure terms, but she is dissatisfied with the cold and conditional conclusion that implies the next move is entirely hers. She reflects on the loss of delicacy and the burden of blame placed upon her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's proposals appear generous but are framed to place the onus on Clarissa, manipulating her into compliance while maintaining his own control.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

The contrast between Lovelace's seemingly fair terms and his cold, conditional conclusion highlights the gap between appearance and true intent.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa struggles to assert her agency and preserve her virtue while being pressured to accept terms that compromise her delicacy.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Receives and analyzes Lovelace's proposals, feeling blamed and pressured to sacrifice her delicacy.

### Robert Lovelace

Sends written proposals offering jointure and financial terms, but concludes coldly that 'all the rest depends upon yourself.'

### Anna Howe

Clarissa addresses the letter to her and considers sharing Lovelace's proposals with her for advice.

### Dorcas Wykes

Delivers Lovelace's proposals to Clarissa.

## Key lines

> You will now, dearest Madam, judge, how far all the rest depends upon yourself.

Lovelace concludes his proposals by implying that the next step is entirely Clarissa's responsibility.

_Clarissa finds this conclusion cold and manipulative, as it shifts the burden of action onto her._

> All delicacy it seems is to be at an end with me!

Clarissa laments that her refined sensibilities are being disregarded.

_Reflects her distress over the loss of personal dignity and the social expectations placed upon her._

## Links

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