# Letter 392: Miss Ar. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Arabella Harlowe responds harshly to Clarissa's letter of July 29, refusing further correspondence and condemning her sister's actions. She expresses the family's disgrace and shame, stating that Clarissa's penitence is doubted and that no one is willing to forgive her.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Arabella's letter underscores the family's rejection of Clarissa due to her rebellion, highlighting the tension between familial duty and personal actions.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Arabella questions the sincerity of Clarissa's penitence, suggesting it may stem from disappointment rather than true remorse, reflecting doubts about appearances versus reality.

## Character check-ins

### Arabella Harlowe

Writes a scathing reply to Clarissa, refusing further letters and expressing the family's shame and anger.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of the letter, whose pleas for forgiveness are dismissed by Arabella.

## Key lines

> I wish you would not trouble me with any more of your letters.

Arabella tells Clarissa to stop writing to her.

_Arabella refuses further correspondence with Clarissa._

> But your wit and folly have undone you.

Your cleverness and foolishness have ruined you.

_Arabella blames Clarissa's intelligence and poor choices for her downfall._

> I never in my life saw a cockered favourite come to good.

I have never seen a spoiled favorite turn out well.

_Arabella implies that Clarissa was overly indulged and that led to her ruin._

> I am afraid and ashamed to go to any public or private assembly or diversion.

I am too embarrassed to attend any social events.

_Arabella expresses the social shame Clarissa's actions have brought upon the family._

> it is too probable, Miss Clary, that, had not your feather-headed villain abandoned you, we should have heard nothing of these moving supplications

It is likely that if your foolish villain had not left you, we would not have heard these heartfelt pleas.

_Arabella doubts the sincerity of Clarissa's repentance, suggesting it is only due to Lovelace's abandonment._

## Links

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