Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 36: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a terrifying encounter with Lovelace, who secretly meets her behind a wood-stack near her family's estate.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about a terrifying encounter with Lovelace, who secretly meets her behind a wood-stack near her family's estate. She expresses her shock and displeasure at his bold intrusion, but he argues that her family's cruelty and his own desperation justify his actions. Lovelace pressures Clarissa to consider escaping to his relatives' protection, warning that her family will force her to marry Solmes. Clarissa resists, insisting she will never marry Solmes but also refusing to commit to Lovelace, though she is shaken by his arguments and vehemence.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her will against both her family's coercion and Lovelace's manipulation, striving to maintain her virtue and independence.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's secret meeting and his artful arguments contrast with his professed respect, highlighting the gap between his words and his true intentions.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace uses emotional appeals and veiled threats to pressure Clarissa, while her family exerts power through confinement and forced marriage plans.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Frightened by Lovelace's secret visit; asserts her refusal of Solmes but maintains distance from Lovelace.
- Robert Lovelace
Intrudes upon Clarissa in the wood-house; argues passionately for her to consider his protection, citing her family's hostility.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa references her earlier observations about Lovelace's address.
- Mr. Solmes
Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa's family is forcing upon her; Lovelace contrasts himself unfavorably with Solmes.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Blamed by Lovelace for inflaming the family against Clarissa and for the scheme to force her into marriage.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Noted as being engaged against Clarissa contrary to her own judgment, according to Lovelace.
Key passages
“I have been frighted out of my wits—still am in a manner out of breath—thus occasioned—I went down, under the usual pretence, in hopes to find something from you.”
Clarissa is terrified and breathless after going to the wood-house expecting a letter from Anna, only to be surprised by Lovelace.
Clarissa describes her shock at the unexpected encounter.
“I told him, that he talked to me in very high language; but he might assure himself that I never would have Mr. Solmes, (yet that this I said not in favour to him), and I had declared as much to my relations, were there not such a man as himself in the world.”
Clarissa firmly states she will never marry Solmes, but clarifies that this is not an endorsement of Lovelace.
Clarissa reiterates her rejection of Solmes while distancing herself from Lovelace.