Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 327: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, reporting a visit from Miss Montague and her sister, who come on behalf of Lord M.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, reporting a visit from Miss Montague and her sister, who come on behalf of Lord M. and his sisters to propose that Clarissa place herself under Lady Betty's protection and marry Lovelace. Anna urges Clarissa to accept the offer, emphasizing the family's admiration, the promise of reformation, and the prospect of a splendid alliance. She advises Clarissa to be discreet about past sufferings and encourages her to look forward to a happy future.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's virtue is celebrated by the Lovelace family, and Anna advises her to exercise agency by accepting the marriage proposal to secure her future.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Anna contrasts Clarissa's persecuting family with the welcoming Lovelace family, urging Clarissa to embrace a new familial alliance.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Anna advises Clarissa to be sparing in revealing past wrongs to maintain her reputation, highlighting the tension between truth and social appearance.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa with news of the Montague visit and strongly advises her to accept the marriage proposal.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The recipient of the letter; Anna addresses her concerns about health and her father's curse, urging her to accept the family's offer.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Visits Anna with her sister to convey the family's proposal for Clarissa's protection and marriage.
- Miss Patty Montague
Accompanies her sister to Anna's house to present the family's offer.
- Robert Lovelace
Has bound himself to marry Clarissa; the family vouches for his reformation.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as having gone on an errand for Anna's mother; proposed to escort Clarissa on her journey.
Key passages
“I hope, my dear, since things have been so very bad, that their errand to me will be as agreeable to you, as anything that can now happen.”
Anna hopes that the visit from the Montague sisters will bring Clarissa some comfort given the dire circumstances.
Anna introduces the positive news from the Lovelace family.
“He promises by them to make the best of husbands; and my Lord, and Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, are all three to be guarantees that he will be so.”
Lovelace has promised to be an excellent husband, with Lord M. and his sisters acting as guarantors.
The family's assurance of Lovelace's reform.
“But I advise you to be more sparing in exposing what is past, whether you have thoughts of accepting him or not: for what, my dear, can that avail now, but to give a handle to vile wretches to triumph over your friends?”
Anna advises Clarissa to stop revealing her past sufferings, as it only gives ammunition to malicious people.
Anna's pragmatic advice on reputation management.
“Like a traveller, who has been put out of his way, by the overflowing of some rapid stream, you have only had the fore-right path you were in overwhelmed.”
Clarissa's troubles are like a traveler temporarily diverted by a flood; she can soon return to her rightful path.
Anna uses an allegory to encourage Clarissa to move forward.
