Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 394: Miss Montague, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Miss Montague, writing on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah Sadleir, Lady Betty Lawrance, and herself, responds to Clarissa's letter.
What happens
Miss Montague, writing on behalf of Lord M., Lady Sarah Sadleir, Lady Betty Lawrance, and herself, responds to Clarissa's letter. They express their condemnation of Lovelace's behavior and their unwavering admiration for Clarissa. They offer her a quarterly allowance of one hundred guineas and a bank-bill, insisting she accept it as a token of their love, not Lovelace's. They also inform her that Lord M. has banished Lovelace from his presence and that Lovelace is preparing to go abroad. They plead for her acceptance and friendship.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's virtue is recognized and honored by the Montague family, who offer her support independent of Lovelace.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The Montague family rebels against Lovelace's actions, choosing to support Clarissa instead, highlighting the tension between family loyalty and moral judgment.
Characters to notice
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Writes the letter on behalf of the family, expressing their support and offering financial assistance to Clarissa.
- Clarissa Harlowe
The recipient of the letter; the family expresses their admiration and offers her financial support.
- Robert Lovelace
Condemned by the family; Lord M. has forbidden him from his apartments and he is preparing to go abroad.
- Lord M.
Has forbidden Lovelace from his apartments and, along with Lady Sarah and Lady Betty, offers Clarissa a quarterly allowance.
- Lady Sarah Sadleir
Joins in the offer of financial support and expresses her affection for Clarissa.
Key passages
“We were all of opinion, before your letter came, that Mr. Lovelace was utterly unworthy of you, and deserved condign punishment, rather than to be blessed with such a wife”
Even before receiving your letter, we all believed Mr. Lovelace was completely undeserving of you and deserved severe punishment rather than the honor of marrying you.
The family expresses their pre-existing disapproval of Lovelace.
“my Lord M. has forbid him ever more to enter the doors of the apartments where he shall be”
Lord M. has banned Lovelace from ever entering any room where he is present.
Lord M. publicly disowns Lovelace.
“his Lordship, and Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty, beg of you to accept, for your life, or, at least, till you are admitted to enjoy your own estate, of one hundred guineas per quarter”
Lord M., Lady Sarah, and Lady Betty urge you to accept a quarterly allowance of one hundred guineas for life, or at least until you regain control of your own estate.
The family offers financial support to Clarissa.