Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 342: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe expresses shock and concern over Clarissa's recent public humiliation and poor health.
What happens
Anna Howe expresses shock and concern over Clarissa's recent public humiliation and poor health. She urges Clarissa not to despair and discusses the possibility of marriage to Lovelace, noting that his family supports the match and that her mother believes it is the only way to secure Clarissa's future. Anna also mentions her impending trip to the Isle of Wight and her intention to investigate Lovelace's sincerity before further advocating for him.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna urges Clarissa to maintain her agency by not despairing, while also grappling with the societal pressure that marriage to Lovelace is the only way to restore her reputation.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Anna questions Lovelace's penitence and sincerity, highlighting the tension between his family's support and his true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa expressing shock at her sufferings and urging her not to despair. Discusses the possibility of marriage to Lovelace and her plans to investigate his sincerity.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The recipient of the letter, described as very ill and having suffered a disgraceful public insult. Anna implores her to write in her own hand and not to give in to despair.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as the 'vile libertine' who betrayed Clarissa. His family supports the match, and he is described as penitent, though Anna is skeptical of his sincerity.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother, who believes marriage to Lovelace is the only way to make Clarissa's future tolerable and insists Anna's next visit to Clarissa be as Mrs. Lovelace.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as accompanying Anna and her mother to the Isle of Wight, and his sister has visited and likes Anna.
Key passages
“What, my dearest creature, have been your sufferings!—What must have been your anguish on so disgraceful an insult, committed in the open streets, and in the broad day!”
Anna expresses horror at Clarissa's public humiliation and the pain it must have caused her.
Highlights the severity of Clarissa's recent ordeal.
“I own, that I like not the turn of what he has written to me; and, before I will further interest myself in his favour, I have determined to inform myself, by a friend, from his own mouth, of his sincerity”
Anna admits she is suspicious of Lovelace's letter and plans to have a friend question him directly about his true intentions.
Shows Anna's cautious approach and her determination to verify Lovelace's sincerity.