Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 42: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa recounts a heated argument with her sister Arabella, who confronts her on behalf of the family for refusing Mr.
What happens
Clarissa recounts a heated argument with her sister Arabella, who confronts her on behalf of the family for refusing Mr. Solmes. Arabella mocks Clarissa's piety and her supposed affection for Lovelace, while Clarissa defends herself and proposes a conditional break with Lovelace if she is not forced to marry Solmes. Arabella initially appears to soften but then reveals she was jesting, dashing Clarissa's hopes. Clarissa receives a harsh letter from her brother James, who rejects her proposals and threatens to disown the family if his plans are thwarted.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's refusal to marry Solmes and her conditional proposal to break with Lovelace highlight the conflict between filial duty and personal will.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her own judgment and moral integrity against her sister's mockery and the family's coercion, defending her right to choose.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Arabella's feigned willingness to mediate, only to reveal it as a jest, underscores the theme of deceptive appearances within the family.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Defends herself against her sister's accusations, proposes a conditional break with Lovelace, and endures her brother's cruel letter.
- Arabella Harlowe
Confronts Clarissa with mockery and anger, initially feigns willingness to mediate but ultimately reveals her jest, dashing Clarissa's hopes.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Sends a harsh letter rejecting Clarissa's proposals, threatening to retire to Scotland if his plans are not carried out.
- Mr. Solmes
Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his presence at the house prevented her father's anger.
- Robert Lovelace
Referenced as the man Clarissa is accused of favoring; his past with James Harlowe is discussed.
- Mrs. Norton
Vindicated by Clarissa after Arabella reflected upon her as encouraging perverseness.
Key passages
“She began with representing to me the danger I had been in, had my father come up, as he would have done had he not been hindered—by Mr. Solmes, among the rest.”
Arabella started by reminding Clarissa of the danger she would have faced if their father had come upstairs, which was prevented partly by Mr. Solmes.
Clarissa reports Arabella's opening argument, emphasizing the family's use of Solmes as a tool of control.
“I told her, that I wished the subject were of such a nature, that I could return her pleasantry with equal lightness of heart: but that, if Mr. Solmes had such merit in everybody's eyes, in hers, particularly, why might he not be a brother to me, rather than a husband?”
Clarissa replied that she wished she could match Arabella's jesting tone, but suggested that if Solmes was so admirable, Arabella should marry him instead.
Clarissa uses irony to deflect her sister's mockery and highlight the absurdity of forcing Solmes on her.
“Alas! for my poor sister! said I—The man was not always so great a profligate. How true is the observation, That unrequited love turns to deepest hate!”
Clarissa exclaimed pity for her sister, noting that Lovelace was not always a profligate and that unreturned love can turn into intense hatred.
Clarissa retaliates by implying Arabella's hostility stems from her own rejected affection for Lovelace.
“Your proposals will be considered by your father and mother, and all your friends, tomorrow morning. What trouble does your shameful forwardness give us all!”
James writes that Clarissa's proposals will be discussed by the family, but he condemns her forwardness as a source of trouble.
James's letter dismisses Clarissa's efforts and reinforces the family's collective opposition.
