# Letter 295: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes a distraught letter to Anna Howe after her escape, expressing her shattered peace and sense of lost self, while inquiring after Anna's health and providing a new address for correspondence.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's lament over her 'lost self' and destroyed peace underscores her profound suffering and longing for redemption.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Clarissa's deep affection and reverence for Anna Howe highlight the theme of loyal friendship amid crisis.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes in a state of mental distress, referring to her 'lost self' and destroyed peace.

### Anna Howe

The recipient; Clarissa reveres her as a pure and beloved friend and inquires after her health.

### Mrs. Rachel Clark

Mentioned as the contact for letters directed to Mr. Smith's glove-shop.

## Key lines

> Once more have I escaped⁠—But, alas! I, my best self , have not escaped!

I have physically escaped again, but my true self—my virtue and peace—has not escaped harm.

_Clarissa distinguishes her physical escape from the loss of her inner self._

> My peace is destroyed. My intellects are touched.

My tranquility is gone, and my mind is affected.

_Clarissa admits to mental instability following her ordeal._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-295-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters