# Letter 357: Mrs. Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Mrs. Howe writes to Mrs. Harlowe, expressing her displeasure with her daughter Anna's correspondence with Clarissa. She describes Anna as headstrong and romantic, and reveals that she has forbidden further letters and is taking Anna to the Isle of Wight to break her attachment to Clarissa. Mrs. Howe acknowledges Clarissa's virtues but insists that forgiveness should be left to her family.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Mrs. Howe asserts her authority over Anna, who rebels by corresponding with Clarissa and wanting to visit her in London.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Anna's loyalty to Clarissa is framed as 'romantic friendship' that conflicts with her duty to her mother.

## Character check-ins

### Mrs. Howe

Writes to Mrs. Harlowe, condemning her daughter's correspondence and asserting parental authority.

### Anna Howe

Mentioned as having written letters to Clarissa without her mother's knowledge; described as headstrong and romantic.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Referred to as a 'poor fallen angel' and 'poor sufferer'; her illness and abuse are acknowledged.

### Mrs. Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; addressed as part of the afflicted Harlowe family.

### Antony Harlowe

Mentioned as having spoken with Mrs. Howe about forbidding Anna's correspondence.

## Key lines

> I am highly offended with my daughter’s letters to Miss Harlowe. I knew nothing at all of her having taken such a liberty.

Mrs. Howe is angry that Anna wrote to Clarissa without her permission.

_Mrs. Howe expresses shock and disapproval of Anna's secret correspondence._

> None but parents know the trouble that children give. They are happiest, I have often thought, who have none.

Only parents understand the difficulties children cause; those without children are luckier.

_Mrs. Howe laments the challenges of raising a headstrong daughter._

> I have been forced to use compulsion with her upon Miss Clary’s illness, (and it seems she is very bad), or she would have run away to London, to attend upon her.

I had to force Anna to stay home, or she would have gone to London to nurse Clarissa.

_Mrs. Howe reveals Anna's desire to visit Clarissa despite her mother's opposition._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-357-mrs-howe
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