Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 26: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about receiving another letter from Lovelace, who seems to know everything happening in her family, including Hannah's dismissal and her family's resentments.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about receiving another letter from Lovelace, who seems to know everything happening in her family, including Hannah's dismissal and her family's resentments. She considers promising him she will never marry Solmes, but expresses concern over his threats of violence and his family's pressure. She has answered his letter, reiterating her preference for a single life and demanding he cease correspondence, though she leaves a small opening for one final letter. She also seeks Anna's help in discreetly learning the opinions of Lovelace's relations about the situation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her choice of a single life and resists both Solmes and Lovelace, striving to maintain her autonomy and moral integrity.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa is caught between her family's demands to marry Solmes and her own refusal, leading to secret correspondence and defiance.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa suspects Lovelace's motives and his 'bold supposer' tactics, questioning whether his compliments and complaints are genuine or manipulative.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna about Lovelace's latest letter, her response, and her distress over family pressures.
- Robert Lovelace
Has sent another letter to Clarissa, showing knowledge of family events and expressing love and resentment.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks her to discreetly inquire about Lovelace's family's opinions.
- Mr. Solmes
Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses to consider, and whom she would not marry even if Lovelace did not exist.
- Mr. Hickman
Suggested as a possible discreet contact to learn about Lord M.'s opinions.
Key passages
“I have another letter from Mr. Lovelace, although I had not answered his former. This man, somehow or other, knows everything that passes in our family.”
Clarissa has received another letter from Lovelace despite not replying to his last one, and she is disturbed by how well-informed he is about her family's private affairs.
Highlights Lovelace's surveillance and Clarissa's unease.
“I think I may fairly promise him that I will not.”
Clarissa believes she can honestly assure Lovelace that she will never marry Solmes.
Shows Clarissa's firm rejection of Solmes.
“I have answered his letters. If he takes me at my word, I shall need to be less solicitous for the opinions of his relations in my favour.”
Clarissa has replied to Lovelace, and if he accepts her terms, she will no longer need to worry about what his family thinks of her.
Indicates Clarissa's hope to end the correspondence.
“In short, my dear, like a restive horse, (as I have heard described by sportsmen), he pains one's hands, and half disjoints one's arms, to rein him in.”
Clarissa compares Lovelace to a difficult horse that requires great effort to control, suggesting he is hard to manage or restrain.
Metaphor for Lovelace's persistent and unruly nature.