Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 311: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa responds to Miss Howe's harsh letter, expressing her distress at being reproached by her only remaining friend.
What happens
Clarissa responds to Miss Howe's harsh letter, expressing her distress at being reproached by her only remaining friend. She defends herself by explaining that she was tricked back to the brothel, that she never received Miss Howe's crucial warnings, and that the description of her as 'bloated and flush-coloured' is a fabrication by a corrupted messenger. She resolves to provide a full narrative of her sufferings.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa is confounded by the false report of her appearance and the interception of letters, highlighting the gap between truth and manipulated perception.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's painful recollection and her struggle to defend her conduct amidst her fallen state evoke themes of suffering and the search for moral vindication.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes in deep distress, defending her conduct and recounting her victimization.
- Anna Howe
Addressed as the recipient; Clarissa is hurt by her reproachful tone.
- Robert Lovelace
Implied as the villain who intercepted letters and corrupted the messenger.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as having a style similar to Miss Howe's harsh letter.
- Mrs. Moore
Mentioned as the keeper of the Hampstead lodging where Clarissa stayed.
Key passages
“Few young persons have been able to give more convincing proofs than myself how little true happiness lies in the enjoyment of our own wishes.”
Clarissa reflects that achieving one's desires does not guarantee happiness, as her own experience proves.
Opening reflection on the illusory nature of happiness.
“I was tricked, most vilely tricked back, as you shall hear in its place.”
Clarissa insists she was deceived into returning to the brothel, and promises to explain later.
Clarissa's assertion of being tricked back to the vile house.
“But indeed I know nothing of any messenger from you.”
Clarissa states she never received any messenger from Miss Howe.
Clarissa denies knowledge of the messenger Miss Howe claims to have sent.