Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 30: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe expressing her unease and displeasure at Lovelace's bold appearance at church, which caused a commotion in her family.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe expressing her unease and displeasure at Lovelace's bold appearance at church, which caused a commotion in her family. She criticizes his pride and haughty behavior, fears it may lead to further violence, and laments the family's anger toward her, which she expects will worsen due to this incident.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's public appearance at church is interpreted by Clarissa as a bold and defiant act, contrasting with his possible intent to see her, highlighting the gap between appearance and reality.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's family is incensed by Lovelace's presence, and she fears their anger will be directed at her, reflecting the tension between filial duty and personal autonomy.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Expresses distress and apprehension over Lovelace's bold church appearance and its impact on her family.
- Robert Lovelace
Attends church, behaves haughtily toward the Harlowes, and bows to Mrs. Harlowe, causing family disorder.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Returns Lovelace's bow at church, drawing family anger.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa references their past discussions of Lovelace's pride.
- Dr. Lewen
Engages Lovelace in conversation after church to allow the Harlowes to depart without further incident.
Key passages
“This man, this Lovelace, gives me great uneasiness. He is extremely bold and rash.”
Lovelace's bold and reckless behavior is causing Clarissa significant distress.
Clarissa opens the letter expressing her anxiety about Lovelace's actions.
“What did the man come for, if he intended to look challenge and defiance...?”
Clarissa questions Lovelace's purpose in coming to church if he meant to appear confrontational.
She criticizes his pride and the negative impact on her family.
“Had my friends confided as they did at first, in that discretion which they do not accuse me of being defective in, I dare say I should have found him out...”
If her family had trusted her judgment, Clarissa believes she would have seen Lovelace's true character on her own.
She laments the lack of trust from her family and her own constrained position.
“I am extremely apprehensive that this worse than ghostlike appearance of his, bodes some still bolder step.”
Clarissa fears that Lovelace's ominous church visit foreshadows an even more daring action.
She anticipates further trouble and potential violence.