# Letter 196: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's delay in answering Lovelace's proposals, offering a scheme for Clarissa to find refuge with Mrs. Townsend, a contraband trader in Deptford, should she need to escape Lovelace. She also recounts showing Lovelace's proposals to Mr. Hickman, who annoyed her with his cautious deliberation, and mentions a sailor's attempt to bribe her servant for Clarissa's address. Anna expresses indignation at Clarissa's constrained situation and advises her to write to her cousin Morden.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Anna Howe demonstrates deep loyalty to Clarissa by devising an escape plan and expressing indignation at her friend's constrained situation.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Anna questions whether Lovelace's overheard dialogue was contrived for Clarissa's ear, highlighting the theme of deception.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa with a scheme for her escape via Mrs. Townsend, criticizes Mr. Hickman's cautiousness, and reports a sailor's bribery attempt.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; Anna advises her on Lovelace's proposals and suggests a refuge with Mrs. Townsend.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of Anna's criticism; his proposals are discussed, and Anna questions his motives regarding the overheard dialogue.

### Mr. Hickman

Anna shows him Lovelace's proposals; his cautious deliberation irritates her.

### Mrs. Townsend

A contraband trader proposed by Anna as a potential protector for Clarissa at Deptford.

## Key lines

> I never had any doubt of the man's justice and generosity in matters of settlement; and all his relations are as noble in their spirits as in their descent; but now, it may not be amiss for you to wait, to see what returns my Lord makes to his letter of invitation.

Anna trusts Lovelace's fairness regarding financial settlements but advises Clarissa to delay her decision until Lord M. responds to his invitation.

_Anna's cautious advice reflects her evolving trust in Lovelace's intentions._

> If Lovelace give you cause to leave him, take no thought for the people at Harlowe-place. Let them take care of one another. It is a care they are used to.

Anna tells Clarissa not to worry about her family if she leaves Lovelace, as they are accustomed to looking after themselves.

_Anna's dismissive attitude toward the Harlowes underscores her support for Clarissa's independence._

> He looked so wise, so proud, and so important, upon the occasion; and wanted to take so much consideration about them—Would take them home if I pleased—and weigh them well—and so forth—and the like—and all that—that I had no patience with him, and snatched them back with anger.

Anna describes Mr. Hickman's overly deliberate reaction to Lovelace's proposals, which irritated her so much that she snatched the papers back.

_Anna's impatience with Hickman's cautiousness highlights her decisive and spirited nature._

## Links

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