# Letter 360: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, gently chiding her for speaking harshly to the Harlowe family on her behalf. She defends her parents' actions, acknowledges her own fault in eloping with Lovelace, and expresses a desire for her father's absolution and blessing. She also requests that Anna's mother allow their correspondence for one more month and looks forward to a visit from Mr. Hickman.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa acknowledges her fault in eloping and seeks her father's absolution, highlighting the tension between family duty and personal choice.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Clarissa's affectionate yet corrective tone toward Anna demonstrates the deep bond and mutual concern between the two friends.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Anna Howe, expressing regret for her actions and pleading for her father's absolution.

### Anna Howe

Chided by Clarissa for her harsh words to the Harlowe family; asked to restrain her vivacity.

### Mrs. Norton

Mentioned as having earlier advised Clarissa about Anna's remarks to the family.

### Mr. Hickman

Expected to visit Clarissa; she praises his gentle manners and love for Anna.

## Key lines

> I have no desire to be received to favour by them: For why should I sit down to wish for what I have no reason to expect?—Besides, I could not look them in the face, if they would receive me. Indeed I could not.

Clarissa says she does not hope for her family's forgiveness because she knows it is unlikely, and she would be too ashamed to face them even if they offered it.

_Clarissa expresses resignation and deep shame regarding her family's rejection._

> All I have to hope for is, first, that my father will absolve me from his heavy malediction: and next, for a last blessing.

Clarissa's only remaining wishes are for her father to lift his curse and give her a final blessing before she dies.

_Clarissa prioritizes spiritual reconciliation with her father over social acceptance._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-360-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters