# Letter 298: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Hannah Burton explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to her former servant Hannah Burton, expressing her desire for Hannah to come and stay with her in her current distressed state. She recounts the strange events that have befallen her since Hannah was dismissed and asks for her company and fidelity, while cautioning her not to inform her family. She provides her address under the alias Rachel Clark.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa takes initiative to reach out to a trusted servant, asserting her own choices despite her family's control.

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa's reference to 'strange things' and her current unhappiness underscores her suffering and search for solace.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Hannah Burton, expressing her unhappiness and desire for companionship.

### Hannah Burton

Former servant of Clarissa, whom Clarissa hopes to have come stay with her.

## Key lines

> Strange things have happened to me, since you were dismissed my service (so sorely against my will) and your pert fellow servant set over me.

Many unusual and distressing events have occurred since you were forced out of my service and replaced by that insolent servant.

_Clarissa alludes to the upheaval in her life following Hannah's dismissal._

> Living or dying, I will endeavour to make it worth your while, my Hannah.

Whether I live or die, I will ensure you are compensated for your trouble.

_Clarissa promises to reward Hannah for her loyalty._

> Don’t let any of my friends know of this my desire: whether you can come or not.

Do not inform any of my family about my request, regardless of your decision.

_Clarissa insists on secrecy to avoid interference from her relatives._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-298-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-hannah-burton
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters