# Letter 43: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa describes her anxious anticipation of the family conference, only to be confronted by her sister Arabella, who delivers the family's demand for unconditional obedience. Arabella mocks and insults Clarissa, who struggles to maintain her composure. Clarissa also receives a letter from Lovelace, full of threats and pleas for her to escape, leaving her torn between family duty and her feelings for him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa's attempt to negotiate terms and her resistance to forced marriage highlight her struggle for autonomy within a patriarchal system.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa is torn between obedience to her family and her own will, as the family demands unconditional submission.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates her emotional turmoil and the harsh confrontation with her sister.

### Arabella Harlowe

Delivers the family's ultimatum with cruel triumph and insults Clarissa.

### Robert Lovelace

Sends a letter to Clarissa, expressing unease and urging her to escape.

## Key lines

> Obedience without reserve is required of you, Clary.

You must obey completely, without any conditions.

_Arabella delivers the family's uncompromising demand._

> O my Nancy, what shall I do with this Lovelace?

I am at a loss how to handle Lovelace's advances and threats.

_Clarissa expresses her confusion and distress over Lovelace's letter._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-43-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters