Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 41: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa receives a letter from her mother urging her to comply with the marriage to Mr.
What happens
Clarissa receives a letter from her mother urging her to comply with the marriage to Mr. Solmes, offering rich silks, jewels, and financial independence as inducements. Clarissa rejects the offer, leading to a harsh ultimatum from her father threatening disownment and a forced private ceremony. She refuses to see Solmes, causing a family uproar, and learns that her brother and sister may be given control over her, with a warning from her cousin Dolly Hervey.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's refusal to obey her parents' command to marry Solmes exemplifies the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy.
Power and Manipulation
The Harlowes use emotional coercion, material bribes, and threats of disownment to manipulate Clarissa into compliance.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her agency by rejecting the marriage and valuing her own moral integrity over family pressure.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Receives a coercive letter from her mother and a harsh ultimatum from her father; refuses to see Solmes and is driven to despair.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Writes a condescending letter to Clarissa urging compliance; attempts to intercede gently but is overruled by her husband.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Sends a stern ultimatum to Clarissa, threatening disownment and a forced private marriage to Solmes.
- Mr. Solmes
Visits the Harlowes and asks to see Clarissa, but she refuses; he condescends to plead for her.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Advises turning Clarissa out of the house and seeks control over her management.
- Arabella Harlowe
Joins her brother in seeking control over Clarissa, motivated by envy and ill-will.
Key passages
“How willingly would my dear mother show kindness to me, were she permitted!”
Clarissa believes her mother would be kind if not prevented by others.
Clarissa expresses sympathy for her mother's constrained position.
“I will die first—!”
Clarissa declares she would rather die than marry Solmes.
Shows Clarissa's absolute refusal and desperation.
“They are all in tumults! How it will end, I know not—I am quite weary of life—”
The family is in chaos, and Clarissa is exhausted and hopeless.
Highlights the emotional turmoil and Clarissa's despair.