# Letter 40: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

In this midnight letter, Clarissa continues her defense against charges of reserve, analyzing Mr. Lovelace's character in both favorable and unfavorable lights. She weighs his sobriety, generosity, birth, and occasional good behavior against his immoral reputation, artfulness, and lack of a true heart. She also reports Solmes's boastful and degrading remarks about her, which further inflame her distress.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her right to judge a suitor by his heart and character, resisting forced marriage and defending her own moral discernment.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa examines Lovelace's outward qualities versus his inner character, questioning whether his frankness is genuine or a strategic cover for vices.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa reflects on the conflict between her family's demands and her own judgment, criticizing parents who force a child's inclination.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes at midnight, struggling with disturbed thoughts, and provides a balanced assessment of Lovelace's character while expressing anguish over Solmes's insults.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of Clarissa's detailed analysis; praised for sobriety, generosity, and birth, but criticized for immorality, artfulness, and lack of a heart.

### Anna Howe

Addressed as Clarissa's dearest friend; Clarissa responds to her and others' call for openness about her feelings toward Lovelace.

### Mr. Solmes

Reported by Betty Barnes as boasting that he is sure of Clarissa and that fear is a better security than love; Clarissa finds him horrid and degrading.

### Betty Barnes

Insolently reports Solmes's offensive remarks to Clarissa, provoking her anger.

## Key lines

> The dead stillness of this solemn hour will, I hope, contribute to calm my disturbed mind.

Clarissa hopes the quiet of midnight will help soothe her troubled thoughts.

_Sets the reflective, troubled tone of the letter._

> the heart is what we women should judge by in the choice we make, as the best security for the party's good behaviour in every relation of life.

A woman should choose a partner based on his heart, as that ensures good conduct in all aspects of life.

_Highlights Clarissa's emphasis on inner virtue over external qualities._

> fear was a better security than love, for a woman's good behaviour to her husband

Solmes believes fear ensures a wife's obedience more effectively than love.

_Reveals Solmes's degrading view of marriage and women._

> an error against judgment is worse, infinitely worse, than an error in judgment.

Acting against one's better knowledge is far more blameworthy than making a mistake due to ignorance.

_Clarissa's moral reasoning about her own responsibility._

> he wants a heart: and if he does, he wants everything.

If Lovelace lacks genuine feeling and goodness, he lacks all essential qualities.

_Clarissa's core critique of Lovelace's character._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-40-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters