Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 361: Mrs. Norton, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Norton writes to Clarissa after a long silence, explaining that she has been extremely ill and her son is dangerously ill. She reports that angry letters have passed between Arabella and Anna Howe, and that the Harlowe family is incensed against Miss Howe. They had planned to send Mr. Brand to make private inquiries about Clarissa's health and way of life but have laid aside that intention due to their anger. There are flying reports of fresh insults Clarissa has undergone and that she may put herself under Lady Betty Lawrance's protection. Mrs. Norton cannot attend Clarissa due to her son's illness and begs for news of her health.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The Harlowe family's anger and their intention to send Mr. Brand to inquire about Clarissa reflect ongoing familial conflict and the tension between obligation and rebellion.
Suffering and Redemption
Mrs. Norton's illness and her son's dangerous condition, along with Clarissa's reported sufferings, highlight themes of physical and emotional suffering.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
The recipient of the letter; Mrs. Norton expresses concern for her health and mind and mentions reports of fresh insults.
- Mrs. Judith Norton
The writer; she has been ill and her son is dangerously ill, preventing her from attending Clarissa.
- Anna Howe
Mentioned as having written angry letters to Arabella; the family is incensed against her.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as having angry letters pass between her and Miss Howe.
- Lady Betty Lawrance
Mentioned as a potential protector for Clarissa according to flying reports.
Key passages
“Very angry letters have passed between your sister and Miss Howe. Every one of your family is incensed against that young lady.”
Your sister and Miss Howe have exchanged very angry letters, and the entire family is furious with Miss Howe.
Mrs. Norton reports the family's anger towards Anna Howe for her correspondence with Arabella.
“Before she wrote, they were going to send up young Mr. Brand, the clergyman, to make private inquiries of your health, and way of life.—But now they are so exasperated that they have laid aside their intention.”
Before Miss Howe wrote, they planned to send the young clergyman Mr. Brand to secretly investigate your health and lifestyle, but now they are so angry that they have abandoned that plan.
The family's plan to investigate Clarissa's situation is set aside due to their anger at Miss Howe.