Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 305: Mrs. Hodges explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Hodges responds to Clarissa's inquiry about Captain Tomlinson, confirming that her master knows no such man and that no such person has ever visited the house. She describes the master's sorrowful state and warns Clarissa about the dangerous company she may have kept in London, particularly Mr. Lovelace.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Mrs. Hodges warns Clarissa about possible tricks or forgery involving Captain Tomlinson, highlighting the theme of deception and the danger of trusting appearances.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Addressed by Mrs. Hodges; her obstinacy is blamed for the master's sorrow.
- Robert Lovelace
Referred to as a devil and dangerous company by Mrs. Hodges.
- Captain Tomlinson
Inquired about by Clarissa; Mrs. Hodges confirms the master knows no such man.
- Mrs. Hodges
The letter writer; a servant loyal to Clarissa, warning her of potential deception.
Key passages
“Master is acquented with no sitch man. I am shure no sitch ever came to our house.”
The master knows no such man, and I am certain no such person ever visited our house.
Mrs. Hodges confirms that Captain Tomlinson is unknown to the master.
“Shure this is no trix nor forgery bruing against master by one Tomlinson—Won knows not what company you may have been forsed to keep, sen you went away, you knoe, Maddam; but Lundon is a pestilent plase; and that ’Squire Luvless is a devil (for all he is sitch a like gentleman to look to) as I hev herd every boddy say; and think as how you have found by thiss.”
Surely this is no trick or forgery being plotted against the master by this Tomlinson—one doesn't know what company you may have been forced to keep since you left, Madam; but London is a pestilent place, and that Squire Lovelace is a devil (for all he appears such a gentleman) as I have heard everyone say, and I think you have found this out by now.
Mrs. Hodges warns Clarissa about potential deception and the dangerous nature of Lovelace and London.