Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 200: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about attending a play with Lovelace and Miss Horton, noting Lovelace's emotional response to the tragedy but still deeming him hard-hearted.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about attending a play with Lovelace and Miss Horton, noting Lovelace's emotional response to the tragedy but still deeming him hard-hearted. She describes her efforts to maintain independence by spending Sunday alone and attending church without him, which provokes Lovelace's anger. He confronts her, demanding to know why she keeps him at a distance, and his violent passion terrifies her. Though he eventually allows her to withdraw, his aggressive behavior leaves her shaken and questioning his character.
Themes in this chapter
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace uses anger and physical intimidation to assert control over Clarissa, while she tries to maintain autonomy by refusing his demands.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's outward behavior at the play seems unexceptionable, but his inner rage and manipulative designs reveal a stark contrast.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her own will and privacy against Lovelace's coercive demands, highlighting her fight for agency.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Describes her fear and distress at Lovelace's violent temper, asserting her need for independence and privacy.
- Robert Lovelace
Shows intense jealousy and anger at Clarissa's refusal to dine or spend time with him; his passion turns to physical intimidation.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; her opinions on Lovelace's proposals are referenced.
- Polly Horton
Accompanied Clarissa and Lovelace to the play; mentioned as being moved by the tragedy.
- Dorcas Wykes
Acts as intermediary between Clarissa and Lovelace, reporting his moods and messages.
- John Belford
Addressee of Lovelace's letter within the chapter; Lovelace confides his intentions and frustrations to him.
Key passages
“I was at the play last night with Mr. Lovelace and Miss Horton. It is, you know, a deep and most affecting tragedy in the reading.”
Clarissa attended a tragic play with Lovelace and Miss Horton, noting its profound emotional impact.
Sets the scene for the chapter and introduces Lovelace's contradictory reactions.
“I will not be perpetually at his insolent beck.”
Clarissa refuses to be constantly at Lovelace's command.
Highlights her determination to resist his control.
“You hate me, Madam! you hate me, Madam ! were some of them—with such a fierceness—I wished myself a thousand miles distant from him.”
Lovelace repeatedly accused Clarissa of hating him with such fury that she wished she were far away.
Illustrates Lovelace's aggressive and accusatory behavior during their confrontation.
“The man, my dear, looked quite ugly—I never saw a man look so ugly as passion made him look—and for what ?”
Clarissa remarks that Lovelace's angry expression made him appear ugly, and she cannot understand the cause of his rage.
Shows Clarissa's perception of Lovelace's transformation when angry.
“I could not hold my purposes. This was not the first time that I had intended to try if she could forgive.”
Lovelace admits he could not maintain his aggressive intentions and had previously tested whether Clarissa would forgive him.
Reveals Lovelace's internal conflict and his pattern of testing Clarissa's limits.
