# Letter 362: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Mrs. Norton explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing concern for her health and that of her son, and explaining her silence due to fresh troubles. She regrets Miss Howe's unsolicited letter to her family, fearing it will harm her cause. Clarissa recounts her arrest, release by Mr. Belford, and Lovelace's promise not to molest her. She reaffirms her resolution to die rather than marry Lovelace, despite pressure from his family and Miss Howe. She describes her current peaceful lodgings with kind people, a good physician, and a diligent nurse, finding spiritual comfort within. She reflects on her birthday as a heavy day, grieving for her family's suffering.

## Themes in this chapter

### Suffering and Redemption

Clarissa finds spiritual growth through affliction, viewing her sufferings as a path to a better hope and inner peace.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her agency by refusing marriage to Lovelace despite external pressures, and insists on her own moral and spiritual integrity.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Mrs. Norton, recounting her arrest, release, and steadfast refusal to marry Lovelace, while finding solace in her current lodgings and spiritual preparation.

### Mrs. Judith Norton

Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa expresses concern for her health and her son's, and wishes she could be with her.

### Anna Howe

Clarissa is concerned that Miss Howe wrote to her family without her knowledge, and chides her for unseasonable freedoms.

### Robert Lovelace

Mentioned as having avowed innocence regarding the arrest, promised not to molest Clarissa, and desires to marry her, which Clarissa refuses.

### John Belford

Released Clarissa from the arrest; mentioned as part of the events.

## Key lines

> It is impossible to share the delight which such charming spirits give, without the inconvenience that will attend their volatility.

One cannot enjoy the pleasure of lively personalities without also suffering from their unpredictability.

_Clarissa reflects on Miss Howe's impulsive nature._

> I am upon a better preparation than for an earthly husband.

I am preparing for a spiritual union rather than a worldly marriage.

_Clarissa indicates her focus on death and the afterlife._

> Use reconciles everything to us.

Habit makes even difficult situations bearable.

_Clarissa explains how she has adapted to her new circumstances._

## Links

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