Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 430: Miss Cl. Harlowe, to Miss Arab. Harlowe explained
Clarissa responds to her sister Arabella's harsh letter, refusing to meet with Mr.
What happens
Clarissa responds to her sister Arabella's harsh letter, refusing to meet with Mr. Ackland and the counselor on the proposed business, but agreeing to go to Pennsylvania if no other event intervenes within a month. She expresses sorrow at her family's severity and hints at new accusations, while maintaining her affection and praying for her sister's kindness.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her modesty and refuses to be examined by gentlemen, insisting on proper channels and defending her character.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa agrees to obey her parents' wish to go to Pennsylvania, yet subtly challenges their harsh judgments and accusations.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to her sister, defending her modesty and agreeing to exile in Pennsylvania.
- Arabella Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa addresses her harsh tone and accusations.
- Dr. Lewen
Mentioned as having written a kind letter to Clarissa and supporting her view on proper inquiry.
- Mrs. Norton
Suggested as a more appropriate person to receive Clarissa's story.
- Betty Barnes
Proposed by Clarissa as a companion to Pennsylvania in place of Hannah.
Key passages
“Write to me, my hard-hearted Sister, in what manner you please, I shall always be thankful to you for your notice.”
No matter how harshly you write, I will still be grateful for your attention.
Clarissa opens with a conciliatory tone despite her sister's severity.
“I cannot see Mr. Ackland and the counselor on such a business as you mention.”
I refuse to meet with those gentlemen for the purpose you describe.
Clarissa firmly declines the proposed interview.
“If nothing happen within a month which may full as effectually rid my parents and friends of that world of cares, and fears, and scandals, which you mention, and if I am then able to be carried on board of ship, I will cheerfully obey my father and mother, although I were sure to die in the passage.”
If within a month no event relieves my family of their troubles, and if I am well enough to be taken aboard, I will gladly go to Pennsylvania even if I die on the voyage.
Clarissa agrees to exile under conditions, showing obedience and resignation.
“I will only pray that Heaven will give you, for your own sake, a kinder heart than at present you seem to have; since a kind heart, I am convinced, is a greater blessing to its possessor than it can be to any other person.”
I pray that you may become more compassionate, because kindness benefits the one who has it most of all.
Clarissa ends with a gentle rebuke and a wish for her sister's own good.