# Letter 187: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa recounts a tense morning meeting with Lovelace, who is disappointed by her lack of enthusiasm for his marriage proposals. She insists on consulting Miss Howe before discussing terms, and her poignant reflection on the word 'father' momentarily moves Lovelace, though she remains wary of his motives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's internal monologue reveals his calculated plan to break Clarissa's spirit and bring her to submission, using feigned irresolution and emotional manipulation.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace presents a facade of love and respect while plotting to exploit Clarissa's modesty and innocence, highlighting the gap between his words and intentions.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's longing for her father and her regret over being an outcast underscore the tension between her duty to her family and her rebellion in associating with Lovelace.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, describing her cautious and reflective interaction with Lovelace, her longing for reconciliation with her family, and her suspicion of Lovelace's sincerity.

### Robert Lovelace

Lovelace is sullen and disappointed by Clarissa's reserve, but shows momentary emotion when she speaks of her father. He reveals his manipulative plans and inner conflict in his letters to Belford.

### Anna Howe

Clarissa intends to share Lovelace's proposals with Anna for her opinion, highlighting Anna's role as a trusted confidante.

### John Belford

Belford is the recipient of Lovelace's letters, which reveal Lovelace's true thoughts and schemes regarding Clarissa.

### Lord M.

Lovelace considers inviting Lord M. to act as a father figure at the wedding, but hesitates due to Lord M.'s gout and his own impatience.

## Key lines

> Father had a sweet and venerable sound with it, I said. I should be glad to have a father who would own me!

Clarissa tells Lovelace that the word 'father' feels comforting and honorable, and she wishes she had a father who would acknowledge her.

_This moment reveals Clarissa's deep emotional pain over being estranged from her family and her desire for paternal acceptance._

> I am but a very young creature, Mr. Lovelace, said I, (and wiped my eyes as I turned away my face), although you have kindly , and in love to me , introduced so much sorrow to me already: so you must not wonder, that the word father strikes so sensibly upon the heart of a child ever dutiful till she knew you, and whose tender years still require the paternal wing.

Clarissa explains that she is still young and has always been dutiful until meeting Lovelace, so the mention of 'father' naturally affects her deeply.

_Clarissa subtly blames Lovelace for her current sorrow while expressing her vulnerability and longing for family._

> But her indifference , Belford!⁠—That she could resolve to sacrifice me to the malice of my enemies; and carry on the design in so clandestine a manner⁠—and yet love her, as I do, to frenzy!⁠—revere her, as I do, to adoration!

Lovelace laments to Belford that Clarissa's apparent indifference and secret plans to leave him drive him to fury, despite his intense love and reverence for her.

_This shows Lovelace's internal conflict between adoration and vengeful resentment, fueling his manipulative schemes._

## Links

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