Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 402: Mr. John Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. John Harlowe writes to Clarissa on behalf of her mother, expressing the family's grief and anger over her elopement with Lovelace. He demands to know if she is pregnant and insists on true penitence before any reconciliation. The letter is accompanied by a mournful meditation stitched in black silk.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's defiance against familial authority is met with condemnation and conditional forgiveness.
Suffering and Redemption
The letter and attached meditation emphasize Clarissa's deep remorse and the family's demand for penitence before any hope of redemption.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Addressed as ungrateful and naughty kinswoman; accused of feigning illness to gain sympathy.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Author of the letter; expresses familial anguish and demands answers about possible pregnancy.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned as unable or not permitted to write; her heart is broken by Clarissa's actions.
- Robert Lovelace
Referred to as a rake and libertine; blamed for Clarissa's downfall.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as unable to ask about pregnancy due to modesty.
Key passages
“Your mother neither caring, nor being permitted, to write, I am desired to set pen to paper, though I had resolved against it.”
Your mother is too distressed or forbidden to write, so I am writing at her request, even though I had decided not to.
Highlights the family's internal conflict and the patriarchal control over communication.
“If you have any reason to think yourself with child by this villain?—You must answer this, and answer it truly, before anything can be resolved upon about you.”
You must honestly tell us if you might be pregnant by that villain, because that will determine what we decide to do about you.
Shows the family's pragmatic concern over potential pregnancy and its impact on Clarissa's fate.