Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 313: Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Clarissa, still ill, continues her letter describing the visit of the pretended Lady Betty and Miss Montague.
What happens
Clarissa, still ill, continues her letter describing the visit of the pretended Lady Betty and Miss Montague. They flatter her, discuss staying at Mrs. Moore's, and propose a trip to town to fetch belongings. Lovelace feigns disinterest while reading Taylor's Holy Living and Dying. The impostors praise Clarissa and hint at reconciliation with her family. Clarissa, though suspicious, is momentarily swayed by their kindness. She resolves to write to Anna Howe for advice but is prevented from acting. The letter ends with Clarissa's painful recollection of the deception.
Themes in this chapter
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The impostors' flattery and pretended kindness contrast sharply with their true villainous intent, highlighting the theme of deceptive appearances.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's physical illness and emotional turmoil, coupled with her reflection on the impostors' possible past ruin, underscore her suffering and search for moral clarity.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the letter; ill but determined to recount the impostors' visit; torn between hope and suspicion.
- Robert Lovelace
Observes from a distance; pretends to read Taylor's Holy Living and Dying; orchestrates the impostors' visit.
- Anna Howe
Expected to receive a letter from Clarissa; praised by the impostors; Clarissa intends to write to her for advice.
- Mrs. Moore
Called up by the pretended Lady Betty to discuss accommodations for the impostors' stay.
- Captain Tomlinson
Mentioned as a deep deceiver; his years and seriousness gave him advantages in villainy.
Key passages
“I was very ill, and obliged to lay down my pen. I thought I should have fainted. But am better now—so will proceed.”
Clarissa was so unwell she had to stop writing, fearing she might faint, but recovered enough to continue.
Highlights Clarissa's physical frailty and determination to document events.
“The grand deluder was at the farther end of the room, another way; probably to give me an opportunity to hear these preconcerted praises—looking into a book, which had there not been a preconcert, would not have taken his attention for one moment. It was Taylor’s Holy Living and Dying.”
Lovelace pretended to read a religious book to appear disinterested while the impostors praised Clarissa as planned.
Illustrates Lovelace's calculated manipulation and the impostors' prearranged flattery.
“O my dear! what risks may poor giddy girls run, when they throw themselves out of the protection of their natural friends, and into the wide world!”
Clarissa reflects on the dangers young women face when they leave their family's protection.
Emphasizes Clarissa's regret and the moral lesson about female vulnerability.