Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 372: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, fully supporting her resolution not to marry Lovelace.
What happens
Anna Howe responds to Clarissa's letters, fully supporting her resolution not to marry Lovelace. She urges Clarissa to recover her health and spirits, discusses the possibility of Clarissa living near her after marriage, and mentions sending Clarissa's letter to the Misses Montague. Anna also encourages Clarissa to write her story for publication as a moral example.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna praises Clarissa's firm resolution to reject Lovelace, highlighting her moral strength and self-justification.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna expresses deep concern for Clarissa's health and offers unwavering support, even mediating with Clarissa's family.
Class and Social Reputation
Anna discusses the potential publication of Clarissa's story as a moral example, reflecting on social reputation and the didactic value of her trials.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, supporting her decision and urging her to recover her health.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; praised for her noble resolution and encouraged to write her story.
- Robert Lovelace
Referred to as a 'vilest of men' and 'perjured miscreant'; Clarissa is resolved against him.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned as Anna's suitor; Anna asserts her independence regarding friendships after marriage.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother; suggests Clarissa write her story and approves of Clarissa's resentment.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Recipient of Clarissa's letter sent by Anna.
Key passages
“I congratulate you most heartily upon it; and beg your pardon for but seeming to doubt that theory and practice were not the same thing with my beloved Clarissa.”
I sincerely congratulate you and apologize for ever doubting that your actions would match your principles.
Anna acknowledges her earlier hesitation and reaffirms her admiration for Clarissa's consistency.
“That a censured person should first seek to be justified to herself, and give but a second place to the world’s opinion of her; and, in all cases where the two could not be reconciled, have preferred the first to the last”
A person under criticism should prioritize being at peace with themselves over worrying about public opinion.
Anna recalls Clarissa's own doctrine, emphasizing inner justification over external judgment.
“I shall let him know how far his own quiet was concerned in such an impertinence; especially if they were such friendships as were contracted before I knew him.”
I will make it clear to Mr. Hickman that his peace depends on not interfering with my pre-existing friendships.
Anna asserts her independence regarding friendships after marriage.