Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 373: Miss Howe, to the Two Misses Montague explained
Miss Howe writes to the Misses Montague, explaining that she has repeatedly urged Clarissa to forgive and reconcile with Lovelace, but Clarissa remains immovable in her refusal.
What happens
Miss Howe writes to the Misses Montague, explaining that she has repeatedly urged Clarissa to forgive and reconcile with Lovelace, but Clarissa remains immovable in her refusal. She encloses Clarissa's letter and transcribes passages showing Clarissa's noble motives and declining health. Miss Howe expresses her grief and anger at Lovelace's villainy, citing Clarissa's suffering, her family's persecution, and the arrest and confinement that deepened her calamities.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's immovable resolution and noble motives demonstrate her agency and adherence to virtue despite immense pressure.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's declining health and persecution are framed as suffering that may lead to redemption through death.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to the Misses Montague, expressing her efforts to reconcile Clarissa with Lovelace and her regret at Clarissa's firm refusal.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Described as immovable in her resolution, in declining health, and motivated by noble and high-souled motives.
- Robert Lovelace
Denounced by Miss Howe as one of the wickedest men, unworthy of Clarissa, and blamed for her ruin and suffering.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
One of the recipients of the letter, part of the worthy house that holds Clarissa in high esteem.
- Miss Patty Montague
Co-recipient of the letter, addressed along with her sister.
Key passages
“I have not been wanting to use all my interest with my beloved friend, to induce her to forgive and be reconciled to your kinsman”
I have done everything I could to persuade my dear friend to forgive and make peace with your relative.
Miss Howe describes her efforts to reconcile Clarissa with Lovelace.
“her immovable resolution, grounded on noble and high-souled motives, which I cannot but regret and applaud at the same time”
Her unshakable decision, based on noble and lofty principles, makes me both sad and admiring.
Miss Howe acknowledges Clarissa's firm refusal while respecting her reasons.
“she is in a declining way, as to her health, that her thoughts are very differently employed than on a continuance here”
Her health is failing, and she is focused on matters beyond this life.
Miss Howe reports Clarissa's declining health and otherworldly preoccupations.
“there never was a greater villany committed”
No worse crime has ever been committed.
Miss Howe condemns Lovelace's actions as the ultimate villainy.
“I pray to God daily , and will hourly from the moment I shall hear of that sad catastrophe, that He will be pleased to make him the subject of His vengeance”
I pray constantly that God will punish him severely, especially after her death.
Miss Howe calls for divine vengeance on Lovelace.