Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 21: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa recounts a disastrous encounter with her mother and sister, where she is forced to remain in Mr.
What happens
Clarissa recounts a disastrous encounter with her mother and sister, where she is forced to remain in Mr. Solmes's presence and pleads for her mother's favorable report to her father. Her defiance leads to her mother's anger, and she is ultimately confined to her chamber. The chapter ends with Clarissa learning that her father has returned, the family is in council, and her keys have been taken away, signaling her impending doom.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her refusal to marry Mr. Solmes despite family pressure, demonstrating her struggle to maintain personal agency and virtue.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's defiance against her mother's commands and her father's authority exemplifies the tension between familial duty and individual will.
Power and Manipulation
The family uses confinement, threats, and the presence of Mr. Solmes to manipulate Clarissa into compliance, showcasing the power dynamics at play.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates her failed attempt to soften her mother's heart; she is defiant towards Mr. Solmes and ultimately confined to her chamber.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Initially stern but shows moments of tenderness; she ultimately sides with the family, ordering Clarissa to behave civilly to Mr. Solmes and later confining her.
- Arabella Harlowe
Present during the confrontation; she taunts Clarissa and fans herself violently, showing her spite and alignment with the family's schemes.
- Mr. Solmes
Arrives unexpectedly and is the object of Clarissa's disdain; he awkwardly attempts to engage her but is rebuffed.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as having returned with Clarissa's father; he is part of the family council that decides Clarissa's fate.
- Hannah Burton
Mentioned as Clarissa's loyal servant who is shunned by the family; she is accused of listening and making mischief.
Key passages
“I have been down. I am to be unlucky in all I do, I think, be my intentions ever so good. I have made matters worse instead of better: as I shall now tell you.”
Clarissa feels that no matter how well-meaning her actions are, they always backfire, and she has only worsened her situation.
This opening sets the tone of frustration and helplessness that pervades the letter.
“I withdrew it, I believe with disdain enough. My mother frowned. My sister bit her lip. I could not contain myself: I was never so bold in my life; for I went on with my plea, as if Mr. Solmes had not been there.”
Clarissa pulls her hand away from Mr. Solmes with clear contempt, ignoring her mother's and sister's reactions, and continues her plea as if he were absent.
This moment highlights Clarissa's bold defiance in the face of family pressure.
“My feet moved (of themselves, I think) farther from the parlour where he was, and towards the stairs; and there I stopped and paused.”
Clarissa's body instinctively moves away from Mr. Solmes toward the stairs, but she hesitates, torn between obedience and resistance.
This physical description underscores Clarissa's internal conflict and reluctance.
“Strange alteration in a few weeks!—Shorey was the messenger. The tears stood in her eyes when she delivered her message.”
Clarissa reflects on how quickly her family's attitude has changed, and even the servant Shorey is moved to tears while delivering the harsh news.
This emphasizes the dramatic shift in Clarissa's circumstances and the sympathy she still evokes.
