# Letter 30: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-30-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters