Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 368: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, thanking her for sending Mr.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, thanking her for sending Mr. Hickman but chiding her for not giving a decisive negative to Lovelace's relations. She reaffirms her refusal to marry Lovelace, discusses her loss of reputation, and explains her reasons for declining Anna's invitation to move into her neighborhood, citing her desire to attend daily prayers and avoid causing discord between Anna and her mother. She encloses a letter to her sister and asks Anna to transmit her negative reply to Lovelace's family.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral autonomy by refusing Lovelace and prioritizing her own conscience over societal opinion.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's penitent letter to her sister and her concern about family resentment highlight the tension between filial duty and her independent choices.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa seeks spiritual solace through daily prayers to calm her disturbed thoughts and achieve resignation, reflecting her struggle with grief and hope for redemption.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna, expressing her firm refusal of Lovelace and her spiritual resolve.
- Anna Howe
Chided by Clarissa for not sending the negative to Lovelace's relations and for taking freedoms with Clarissa's family.
- Mr. Hickman
Sent by Anna to visit Clarissa; Clarissa mentions discussing the invitation with him.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa firmly rejects him and expresses pity for his reckless behavior; she dreads the thought of seeing him again.
- Arabella Harlowe
Clarissa has written a penitent letter to her sister, hoping for a response.
Key passages
“I am sorry that I am obliged to repeat to you, my dear, who know me so well, that, were I sure I should live many years, I would not have Mr. Lovelace; much less can I think of him, as it is probable I may not live one.”
Clarissa firmly states that even if she were to live many years, she would not marry Lovelace, and certainly not now when her life may be short.
Clarissa reiterates her absolute rejection of Lovelace, emphasizing her declining health.
“I have often censured the boldness of those, who, applying for a favour, which it is in a person’s option to grant or refuse, take the liberty of being offended, if they are not gratified; as if the petitioned had not as good a right to reject, as the petitioner to ask.”
Clarissa criticizes the presumption of those who become angry when their requests are denied, noting that the person asked has every right to refuse.
Clarissa reflects on the proper attitude toward rejection, preparing herself for a possible negative response from her family.
“Poor wretch! I pity him, to see him fluttering about; abusing talents that were given him for excellent purposes; taking in consideration for courage; and dancing, fearless of danger, on the edge of a precipice!”
Clarissa expresses pity for Lovelace, who misuses his talents and mistakes recklessness for bravery, heedless of the danger he faces.
Clarissa's compassionate yet critical view of Lovelace's character and behavior.