Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 297: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Mrs. Howe, thanking her for her reproofs but expressing her deep distress. She explains that her story is dismal and that she seeks only to repent, not to extenuate her faults. She inquires after Miss Howe's health, having heard she was ill, and expresses her longing for her friend's correspondence. Clarissa begs for two favors: that her relations not know she has written, and that her location be kept secret for her preservation.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's letter is steeped in suffering and a desire for repentance, as she seeks a broken spirit and God's mercy.
Friendship and Loyalty
Clarissa's deep affection for Miss Howe and her longing for her friend's correspondence highlight the theme of friendship.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
The writer, expressing her suffering and repentance, and pleading for secrecy.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa's dear friend, whose health and friendship she anxiously inquires after.
- Mrs. Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa thanks her for reproofs and asks for discretion.
Key passages
“My story is a dismal story. It has circumstances in it that would engage pity, and possibly a judgment not altogether unfavourable, were those circumstances known.”
My tale is tragic, and if you knew all the details, you might pity me and judge me less harshly.
Clarissa hints at the injustice of her situation without revealing specifics.
“If I cannot suffer alone, I will make as few parties as I can in my sufferings.”
If I must endure pain, I will try not to drag others into it.
Clarissa resolves to bear her troubles privately.
“Misfortune makes people plaintive: And to whom, if not to a friend, can the afflicted complain?”
Suffering makes one complain, and a friend is the only proper confidant for such laments.
Clarissa defends her need to write to Miss Howe despite Mrs. Howe's prohibition.