Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 376: Mrs. Harlowe, to Mrs. Judith Norton explained
Mrs.
What happens
Mrs. Harlowe writes to Mrs. Norton, expressing the family's continued refusal to forgive Clarissa, fearing that leniency would encourage further rebellion. She admits her own maternal anguish but feels compelled to side with her husband and other relatives to maintain peace. She mentions that Clarissa's father has withdrawn his curse but that nothing Clarissa writes will be believed. Mrs. Harlowe struggles with her desire to see Clarissa's letter and her fear of defying the family's prohibition. She sends Mrs. Norton money for her illness and advises her not to visit Clarissa or advocate too strongly on her behalf.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Mrs. Harlowe is torn between her maternal love and the family's collective punishment of Clarissa for her rebellion.
Suffering and Redemption
Mrs. Harlowe describes her own suffering and Clarissa's misery, but the family insists on further penance before any forgiveness.
Class and Social Reputation
The Harlowes are distressed by public criticism and disrespect, showing how social reputation governs their actions.
Characters to notice
- Mrs. Harlowe
Writes to Mrs. Norton, torn between maternal love and family duty; she secretly longs to see Clarissa's letter but dares not defy her husband.
- Mrs. Judith Norton
Recipient of the letter; Mrs. Harlowe advises her not to visit Clarissa or advocate too warmly, but sends her money for illness.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Discussed as the 'naughty creature' whose letters are disregarded; her father has withdrawn the curse but the family remains unforgiving.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as a potential threat to seek out Lovelace if Mrs. Harlowe opposes the family's stance.
- Anna Howe
Blamed for making matters worse by speaking ill of the Harlowes publicly and writing to Bella.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Mentioned as having withdrawn the curse at Clarissa's request, but still unforgiving; his gout is a concern.
Key passages
“We all know your virtuous prudence, worthy woman: we all do. But your partiality to this your rash favourite is likewise known.”
We acknowledge your good judgment, Mrs. Norton, but we also know you favor Clarissa too much.
Mrs. Harlowe gently rebukes Mrs. Norton for her bias toward Clarissa.
“She may be with child!—This would perpetuate her stain.”
She might be pregnant, which would make her shame permanent.
Mrs. Harlowe voices the family's fear that Clarissa's disgrace could be compounded by pregnancy.
“The easy pardon perverse children meet with, when they have done the rashest and most rebellious thing they can do, is the reason (as is pleaded to us every day) that so many follow their example.”
Forgiving rebellious children too easily encourages others to misbehave.
Mrs. Harlowe justifies the family's harshness by citing the need to deter other children from similar disobedience.
“I must sail with the tide; my own judgment also joining with the general resentment; or I should make the unhappiness of the more worthy still greater.”
I must go along with the family's anger to avoid making things worse for my husband and others.
Mrs. Harlowe explains her compliance with the family's hard line against Clarissa.
“But, O my Norton!—She must, she will, long trouble us—For can she think her death, if we should be deprived of her, will put an end to our afflictions?”
Even if Clarissa dies, our grief will not end.
Mrs. Harlowe reveals her deep, lasting sorrow over Clarissa's situation.
