Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 310: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing shock and disappointment that Clarissa returned to Lovelace after escaping from Hampstead.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing shock and disappointment that Clarissa returned to Lovelace after escaping from Hampstead. Anna reveals that her mother intercepted a letter from Clarissa, leading to a confrontation, but ultimately Mrs. Howe permits limited correspondence. Anna reproaches Clarissa for her credulity and warns of the dangers of love, while urging her to explain her actions.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna criticizes Clarissa's loss of agency and virtue by returning to Lovelace, highlighting the societal judgment on women's choices.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Anna points out Lovelace's deceit and Clarissa's misplaced trust, contrasting appearances with the harsh reality.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna's letter reflects her deep concern and loyalty to Clarissa, despite her harsh reproaches.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, expressing grief and reproach over Clarissa's return to Lovelace.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; her actions are criticized by Anna for returning to Lovelace after escaping.
- Mrs. Howe
Intercepted Clarissa's letter and permitted Anna to write back after a compromise.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as the villain who deceived Clarissa and brought her back to the brothel.
- Captain Tomlinson
Referenced in Anna's earlier warnings about his involvement in Lovelace's schemes.
Key passages
“What an intoxicating thing is this love? —I always feared, that you, even you, were not proof against its inconsistent effects.”
Love is a powerful intoxicant, and I always worried that even you could not resist its confusing influence.
Anna expresses her fear that Clarissa's judgment was clouded by love.
“a great error ought rather to be the more inexcusable in the person we value, than in one we are indifferent to; because it is a reflection upon our choice of that person”
A serious mistake is less forgivable in someone we esteem, as it reflects poorly on our judgment of their character.
Anna justifies her severity by citing Clarissa's own principle about holding friends accountable.