Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 22: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a letter from Lovelace, co-signed by Lord M., in which he boasts of Solmes's claims to marry her and offers an asylum if she is tyrannized.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a letter from Lovelace, co-signed by Lord M., in which he boasts of Solmes's claims to marry her and offers an asylum if she is tyrannized. She feels trapped between her family's pressure to marry Solmes and Lovelace's advances, and is distressed by her brother James's control over her, as seen when her request to attend church is mockingly denied.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her own will against her family's demands, seeking to maintain her reputation and moral integrity.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's conflict with her brother and parents over marriage and church attendance highlights the tension between duty and personal choice.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's letter presents a facade of concern and offers of asylum, while Clarissa suspects his true intentions to entangle her further.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna about Lovelace's letter and her family's harsh treatment; feels entangled and distressed by her brother's authority.
- Robert Lovelace
Sends a letter co-signed by Lord M., offering an asylum and proposing a secret meeting; his boldness alarms Clarissa.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Assumes control over Clarissa, denying her request to attend church and writing a contemptuous reply.
- Mr. Solmes
Boasts of his impending marriage to Clarissa, as reported by Lovelace.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa seeks her advice.
Key passages
“Hannah has just brought me from the private place in the garden-wall, a letter from Mr. Lovelace, deposited last night, signed also by Lord M.”
Hannah retrieved a letter from Lovelace, left secretly in the garden wall last night, which also bears Lord M.'s signature.
Clarissa receives a clandestine letter from Lovelace.
“Tell her, that she must direct herself to her brother for any favour she has to ask.”
Clarissa is told to address all requests to her brother James instead of her mother.
Clarissa's mother delegates authority to James, increasing his control.
“My request to go to church today to be taken into consideration tomorrow ! Patience will be the fittest return I can make to such an insult.”
Her request to attend church is deferred to the next day, which she sees as a deliberate insult.
Clarissa's brother mocks her request, deepening her frustration.