# Letter 188: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing her impatience and anger at Lovelace's proposals, which she finds lacking in warmth and earnestness. She criticizes Lovelace's character and suggests that Clarissa should either marry him quickly or find a way to escape. Anna offers to devise a scheme to secure Clarissa's safety until her cousin Morden arrives, while also acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Lovelace without cause to suspect his honor.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Anna advises Clarissa to take control of her situation by either marrying or escaping, emphasizing the struggle for autonomy.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Anna questions Lovelace's true intentions, noting the discrepancy between his proposals and his character.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Expresses frustration and anger at Lovelace's behavior, advises Clarissa on marriage or escape.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of Anna's letter; her situation and feelings are discussed.

### Robert Lovelace

Criticized for his proposals, lack of warmth, and suspected dishonorable intentions.

### Colonel Morden

Mentioned as the cousin whose arrival is awaited for Clarissa's safety.

## Key lines

> Never in my life did I hear or read of so patient a man, with such a blessing in his reach.

Anna marvels at Lovelace's lack of urgency in securing Clarissa, whom she considers a great prize.

_Highlights Anna's frustration with Lovelace's delay._

> Either marry, my dear, or get from them all, and from him too.

Anna urges Clarissa to choose between marrying Lovelace or leaving him and her family entirely.

_Summarizes Anna's core advice to Clarissa._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-188-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters