Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 24: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa receives a letter from her brother James, written by command of her parents, imposing strict confinement and forbidding correspondence with Lovelace, Miss Howe, or anyone else without leave.
What happens
Clarissa receives a letter from her brother James, written by command of her parents, imposing strict confinement and forbidding correspondence with Lovelace, Miss Howe, or anyone else without leave. She is restricted to her chamber and garden walks only under Betty Barnes's supervision. Clarissa's brief reply bitterly acknowledges her brother's triumph and her own powerlessness.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's confinement is a direct result of her refusal to comply with family demands, highlighting the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy.
Power and Manipulation
James Harlowe Jr. uses his parents' authority to isolate and punish Clarissa, demonstrating familial power dynamics and manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Receives and responds to her brother's letter of confinement, expressing despair and resignation.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Writes the letter of confinement by command of their parents, asserting his influence over Clarissa's punishment.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned as having given up on Clarissa after pleading for her, now supporting the confinement.
- Betty Barnes
Assigned to attend Clarissa during her garden walks and enforce the restrictions.
- Hannah Burton
Referenced as 'sly Hannah,' whose discharge is linked to the forbidden correspondence with Lovelace.
Key passages
“By command of your father and mother I write expressly to forbid you to come into their presence, or into the garden when they are there: nor when they are not there, but with Betty Barnes to attend you; except by particular license or command.”
Your parents order me to forbid you from seeing them or entering the garden when they are present; otherwise, you may only go there with Betty Barnes as your attendant, unless you have special permission.
This establishes the strict terms of Clarissa's confinement, limiting her movement and requiring surveillance.
“On their blessings, you are forbidden likewise to correspond with the vile Lovelace; as it is well known you did by means of your sly Hannah. Whence her sudden discharge.”
You are also forbidden, under threat of losing their blessing, to write to the despicable Lovelace, as it is known you did through your cunning Hannah, which is why she was suddenly dismissed.
The prohibition on correspondence targets Clarissa's key relationships and punishes her servant for facilitating them.
“What a hand has the best and most indulgent of mothers had with you, who so long pleaded for you, and undertook for you; even when others, from the manner of your setting out, despaired of moving you!—What must your perverseness have been, that such a mother can give you up!”
Your mother, the kindest and most forgiving, pleaded for you and vouched for you even when others gave up hope—your stubbornness must have been extreme for her to abandon you.
James uses their mother's former support to emphasize Clarissa's perceived ingratitude and justify the harsh measures.
“I will only say, that you may congratulate yourself on having so far succeeded in all your views, that you may report what you please of me, and I can no more defend myself, than if I were dead.”
I will merely say that you can congratulate yourself on achieving your aims, for you can say whatever you like about me, and I am as unable to defend myself as if I were dead.
Clarissa's reply conveys her sense of utter helplessness and the complete victory of her brother's schemes.
