Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 3: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa recounts to Anna Howe how Lovelace, after being rejected by her sister Arabella, turned his attentions to her.
What happens
Clarissa recounts to Anna Howe how Lovelace, after being rejected by her sister Arabella, turned his attentions to her. She describes the family's divided opinions on his suit, her own initial indifference, and the circumstances that led to a correspondence between them under the guise of travel narratives.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa suspects Lovelace is an 'hypocrite' and notes the contrast between his respectful demeanor and his reputed immoral character.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's family debates Lovelace's suit, with her father deferring to his son's objections, illustrating familial control over marriage.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace strategically uses patience and the travel correspondence to gain access to Clarissa and the family's favor.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the letter, expressing her doubts about Lovelace's sincerity and her initial reluctance to engage with him.
- Robert Lovelace
After being rejected by Arabella, he shifts his attention to Clarissa, displaying patience and respectful behavior to gain family approval.
- Arabella Harlowe
Rejects Lovelace's proposal, then later dismisses him with contempt, encouraging his address to Clarissa.
- Anna Howe
The recipient of Clarissa's letter, to whom Clarissa confides her observations and concerns.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Expresses strong dislike of Lovelace in a letter to his father, influencing Mr. Harlowe's hesitation.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Uncle who approves of Lovelace's address to Clarissa, referring to Arabella's consent.
Key passages
“I doubt the man is an hypocrite, my dear”
I suspect the man is a hypocrite, my dear friend.
Clarissa expresses her early distrust of Lovelace's sincerity.
“A good intentional preparative to love, this pity”
Pity is a good intentional preparation for love.
Clarissa comments on how Arabella's pity for Lovelace might lead to affection.
“She made a virtue of necessity”
She turned a necessary situation into a virtuous one.
Arabella pretends to be glad about rejecting Lovelace after he does not renew his offer.
“Thus was a kind of correspondence begun between him and me, with general approbation”
Thus a correspondence was started between him and me, with everyone's approval.
Clarissa explains how the travel letter exchange was initiated with family consent.