Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 304: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Hodges Enfield explained
Clarissa writes to Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Mrs. Hodges, a former servant, asking for information about Captain Tomlinson and his relationship with her uncle Harlowe. She describes Tomlinson's appearance and requests that Mrs. Hodges keep the inquiry secret. She also asks for a brief report on her family's health, directing the reply to a pseudonym at an inn.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa uses a pseudonym and secret correspondence to investigate Captain Tomlinson, highlighting the theme of hidden truths and deceptive appearances.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's secret inquiry and her inability to write openly to her family reflect her strained relationship with familial duty and her rebellion against their control.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes secretly to Mrs. Hodges, seeking information about Captain Tomlinson and her family's health.
- Mrs. Hodges
The recipient of Clarissa's letter; a former servant at the Harlowe estate.
- Captain Tomlinson
Subject of Clarissa's inquiry; she describes his appearance and asks about his intimacy with her uncle.
- Antony Harlowe
Mentioned as likely present at the family gathering at Mr. John Harlowe's.
- Mr. John Harlowe
His home is the location of the family gathering Clarissa mentions.
Key passages
“I am under a kind of necessity to write to you, having no one among my relations to whom I dare write, or hope a line from if I did.”
I feel compelled to write to you because I cannot safely write to any of my relatives, nor expect a reply from them.
Clarissa explains her isolation from her family.
“It is but to answer a question. It is this: Whether you know any such man as Captain Tomlinson? and, if you do, whether he be very intimate with my uncle Harlowe?”
I only need you to answer one question: Do you know a man named Captain Tomlinson, and if so, is he close with my uncle Harlowe?
Clarissa's primary request for information.
“I must desire you, Mrs. Hodges, that you will not let my uncle, nor any of my relations, know that I write to you.”
Please do not tell my uncle or any other family member that I have written to you.
Clarissa insists on secrecy.