# Letter 378: Miss Ar. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Arabella Harlowe responds to Clarissa's letter with a mixture of pity and reproach, informing her that their father has withdrawn his curse but will never forgive her, and that the family is deeply shamed by her elopement with Lovelace, who has now abandoned her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's elopement is framed as a violation of duty, leading to her father's curse and permanent estrangement from the family.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Arabella questions what Clarissa has truly suffered at Lovelace's hands, hinting at hidden truths behind the libertine's abandonment.

### Suffering and Redemption

Arabella hopes for Clarissa's true penitence, linking her suffering to the possibility of spiritual redemption.

## Character check-ins

### Arabella Harlowe

Writes a harsh but sorrowful letter to Clarissa, expressing familial shame and reproach.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of the letter, described as a 'poor, wicked, undone creature' by Arabella.

### Robert Lovelace

Mentioned as the libertine who has abandoned Clarissa, having 'kept her till he was tired of her.'

### Anna Howe

Criticized by Arabella for her impertinent letters and interference in Clarissa's affairs.

### Mrs. Norton

Mentioned as a favourer of Clarissa who believes Anna Howe's letters are unknown to Clarissa.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Sent to Edinburgh by his father to prevent a confrontation with Lovelace.

## Key lines

> He withdraws the curse he laid upon you, at the first hearing of your wicked flight, so far as it is in his power to do it; and hopes that your present punishment may be all that you will meet with. For the rest, he will never own you, nor forgive you; and grieves he has such a daughter in the world.

Your father lifts his curse to the extent he can, but he will never acknowledge or forgive you, and he mourns having you as a daughter.

_Mr. Harlowe's conditional mercy underscores the family's permanent rejection._

> He had kept you till he was tired of you, no question; and it is not likely he would wish to have you but upon the terms you have already without all doubt been his.

Lovelace kept you until he grew weary, and he would only want you now if you have already been intimate with him.

_Arabella implies that Clarissa has been sexually compromised, reflecting the era's double standards._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-378-miss-ar-harlowe-to-miss-cl-harlowe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters