# Letter 197: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa about her mother's courtship by Antony Harlowe, enclosing the original letter from Antony and Mrs. Howe's reply. Anna provides a satirical dialogue between herself and her mother regarding the proposal, ultimately revealing that Mrs. Howe has refused Antony's offer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Anna's satirical treatment of her mother's courtship reflects tension between filial duty and personal independence.

### Class and Social Reputation

Antony Harlowe's proposal emphasizes wealth, status, and the social expectations of marriage among the landed gentry.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Anna's dialogue exposes the gap between polite forms and underlying motives in courtship.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa with satirical commentary on her mother's courtship by Antony Harlowe.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of Anna's letter; referenced as the friend to whom Anna confides.

### Antony Harlowe

Proposes marriage to Mrs. Howe; his letter is quoted and mocked by Anna.

### Mrs. Howe

Receives and declines Antony Harlowe's marriage proposal; engages in dialogue with Anna about it.

### Mr. Hickman

Mentioned in passing as a contrast to Anna's behavior toward her mother's suitor.

## Key lines

> You must not ask me how I came by the originals (such they really are) that I am going to present you with: for my mother would not read to me those parts of your uncle's letter which bore hard upon myself, and which leave him without any title to mercy from me

Anna tells Clarissa not to ask how she obtained the original letters, since her mother refused to show her the parts of Antony's letter that criticized Anna.

_Anna reveals her method of acquiring the correspondence and her resentment toward Antony._

> I have a very great fortune, I bless God for it, all of my own getting, or most of it; you will be pleased to mark that; for I was the youngest brother of three.

Antony boasts that his wealth is self-made, as he was the youngest of three brothers.

_Antony emphasizes his financial independence in his proposal._

> I know Nancy could not bear a father-in-law. She would fly at the very thought of my being in earnest to give her one.

Mrs. Howe acknowledges that Anna would strongly oppose her remarrying.

_Mrs. Howe's letter shows awareness of her daughter's likely reaction._

> I have now been a widow these ten years; nobody to control me: and I am said not to bear control: so, Sir, you and I are best as we are, I believe: nay, I am sure of it

Mrs. Howe declines the proposal, stating that after ten years of widowhood she values her independence and does not wish to be controlled.

_Mrs. Howe's refusal is polite but firm, citing her preference for autonomy._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-197-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
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