# Letter 19: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa responds to Anna's letter, defending her decision to relinquish control of her estate and reflecting on her family's pressures. She firmly rejects the prospect of marrying Mr. Solmes, asserting her moral duty to resist her brother's ambitions. She anticipates a difficult conference with her mother and expresses dread over the conflicts ahead.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her moral right to refuse Solmes, grounding her resistance in duty and self-examination.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa struggles between her duty to her family and her conviction to reject an unwanted marriage.

### Power and Manipulation

Clarissa's brother manipulates family dynamics to advance his own ambitions, using Solmes as a tool.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Anna, defending her past actions and asserting her refusal to marry Solmes.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of Clarissa's letter; her previous advice is discussed and challenged.

### Arabella Harlowe

Clarissa comments on Arabella's hidden feelings for Lovelace and her anger.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Clarissa's mother, who is distressed by the family conflict and plans a private talk with Clarissa.

### Mr. Solmes

The suitor Clarissa refuses to marry, citing moral and personal objections.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Clarissa's brother, whose ambition drives the push for her marriage to Solmes.

## Key lines

> I to have that Mr. Solmes!—No indeed!—I will sooner—

Clarissa vehemently rejects the idea of marrying Mr. Solmes, implying she would rather suffer any alternative.

_Clarissa's emphatic refusal sets the tone for her resistance._

> If we suffer by an act of duty, or even by an act of generosity, is it not pleasurable on reflection, that the fault is in others, rather than in ourselves?

Clarissa finds comfort in knowing that if she suffers for doing right, the blame lies with others, not with her.

_Reflects Clarissa's moral reasoning and her prioritization of integrity over worldly wisdom._

> I have something in me of my father's family, as well as of my mother's.

Clarissa acknowledges that she possesses a stubborn streak inherited from her father's side, not just her mother's meekness.

_Clarissa hints at her capacity for firm resistance, despite her usual compliance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-19-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters