# Letter 3: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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