Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 407: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Antony Harlowe, Esq. explained
Clarissa writes a remorseful letter to her uncle Antony Harlowe, apologizing for her previous pert letter and defending her sincerity.
What happens
Clarissa writes a remorseful letter to her uncle Antony Harlowe, apologizing for her previous pert letter and defending her sincerity. She expresses sorrow for her fall but insists on her innocence except for the involuntary elopement. She refuses to answer a shocking question posed by her family, hinting that time will provide the answer. She clarifies she sought only a blessing, not restoration or financial support, and laments the harsh treatment she receives despite her penitence.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her innocence and moral integrity despite her family's condemnation, defending her virtue and sincerity.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa seeks a blessing from her family but is met with harsh reproach, highlighting the tension between duty and her independent plea for forgiveness.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes a penitent letter to her uncle, defending her sincerity and innocence while expressing sorrow for her faults.
- Antony Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa apologizes to him and addresses his harsh reproaches.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned as the mother to whom Clarissa wrote, though her application brought reproach.
- Arabella Harlowe
Referred to as Clarissa's sister; Clarissa wishes her continued happiness and merit.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as Clarissa's brother; she prays for God to forgive him and protect him from his violent temper.
Key passages
“The fall of a regular person, no doubt, is dreadful and inexcusable. It is like the sin of apostacy.”
The downfall of someone who was once virtuous is terrible and unforgivable, akin to renouncing one's faith.
Clarissa compares her own fall to apostasy, emphasizing the gravity of her transgression in her family's eyes.
“A little time, a much less time than is imagined, will afford a more satisfactory answer to my whole family, and even to my brother and sister, than I can give in words.”
Soon, sooner than expected, time will provide a clearer answer to my family's questions than any words I could offer now.
Clarissa cryptically hints at her declining health as the ultimate proof of her innocence.
“I have no wilful crime to charge against myself: no free living at bed and at board, as you phrase it!”
I have no intentional sin to confess; I have not lived licentiously as you accuse me.
Clarissa denies the accusation of willful immorality, defending her conduct despite her elopement.