# Letter 310: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-310-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters