Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 319: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, urging her not to succumb to dejection and to take comfort in her unsullied virtue.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, urging her not to succumb to dejection and to take comfort in her unsullied virtue. She assures Clarissa that her cousin Morden will soon arrive to see justice done. Anna criticizes Clarissa's continued longing for reconciliation with her unworthy family, noting that Lovelace exploited this desire. She mentions sending young Rogers to report on Clarissa's condition, expresses fear of Lovelace's plots, and shares that her mother has permitted correspondence under certain conditions. Anna offers to send Mrs. Townsend to help find safer lodgings.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna Howe emphasizes Clarissa's unsullied virtue and triumphs over trials, encouraging her to find comfort in her moral integrity despite her suffering.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's pining for reconciliation with her unworthy family is critiqued by Anna, who sees it as a weakness exploited by Lovelace, highlighting the tension between familial duty and self-preservation.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa with concern and advice, urging her to take comfort in her virtue and not to despair.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The recipient of the letter, described as dejected and over-solicitous for family reconciliation.
- Robert Lovelace
Referenced as the vilest of men who built his schemes on Clarissa's desire for reconciliation; his plots and revenge are feared.
- Colonel Morden
Expected to arrive soon and see justice done for Clarissa regarding her person and estate.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as a potential attendant for Clarissa, but his movements are watched; letters are to be sent under his cover.
Key passages
“Comfort yourself, on the contrary, in the triumphs of a virtue unsullied; a will wholly faultless.”
Take solace in the fact that your virtue remains pure and your intentions blameless.
Anna encourages Clarissa to find strength in her moral integrity.
“He saw that you thirsted after it beyond all reason for hope.”
Lovelace recognized that your longing for reconciliation was excessive and unrealistic.
Anna explains how Lovelace exploited Clarissa's desire for family approval.