Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 369: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reiterating her firm refusal to marry Lovelace despite the entreaties of his noble relations.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reiterating her firm refusal to marry Lovelace despite the entreaties of his noble relations. She insists her decision is based on principle, not passion, and offers to forgive Lovelace only if he ceases to molest her. She requests Anna to convey her respectful compliments to Lord M. and the ladies of his family.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa exercises her agency by refusing marriage to Lovelace, asserting that her decision stems from moral principle rather than passion.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa contrasts her principled refusal with Lovelace's 'premeditated injuries' and 'long train of the basest contrivances,' exposing the gap between his charming appearance and his true character.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Author of the letter; reaffirms her resolution to reject Lovelace on moral grounds.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa asks her to communicate her decision to Lovelace's family.
- Robert Lovelace
Subject of Clarissa's refusal; she condemns his premeditated injuries and breaches of moral sanctions.
- Lord M.
Mentioned as one of the noble relations to whom Clarissa sends respectful compliments.
Key passages
“I cannot consent to sanctify, as I may say, Mr. Lovelace’s repeated breaches of all moral sanctions, and hazard my future happiness by a union with a man, through whose premeditated injuries, in a long train of the basest contrivances, I have forfeited my temporal hopes.”
I cannot agree to marry Lovelace and thereby excuse his many violations of morality, risking my future well-being by joining with a man whose deliberate wrongs, through a series of vile schemes, have destroyed my earthly prospects.
Clarissa justifies her refusal by citing Lovelace's immoral actions and the ruin they have caused her.
“I deceive myself, if my resolution on this head (however ungratefully and even inhumanely he has treated me) be not owing more to principle than passion.”
I believe that my decision, despite his cruel and ungrateful treatment, is based more on moral principle than on emotional reaction.
Clarissa insists her refusal is rational and principled, not vengeful.
“I can and will forgive him, on this one easy condition, that he will never molest me more.”
I am willing to forgive him, provided he simply leaves me alone forever.
Clarissa offers conditional forgiveness, emphasizing her desire for peace and freedom from harassment.