# Letter 44: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa recounts a visit from her aunt Hervey, accompanied by her sister Arabella, who attempts to persuade her to accept Mr. Solmes. Clarissa remains resolute, arguing for her right to remain single rather than marry a man she detests. The conversation reveals family tensions, with Arabella taunting Clarissa about her supposed preference for Lovelace and threatening that her father's will can override her grandfather's bequest. Clarissa defends her position, insisting she would never marry Lovelace without family consent, but refuses to be forced into a union with Solmes.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her right to refuse marriage and live single, challenging patriarchal authority while maintaining her moral stance.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's resistance to her family's demands for her to marry Solmes highlights the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Arabella and Mrs. Hervey's questioning about Mr. Wyerley is revealed as a designed snare to trap Clarissa into showing preference for Lovelace.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Defends her refusal of Solmes, argues for the right to live single, and withstands pressure from her aunt and sister.

### Arabella Harlowe

Accompanies aunt Hervey, taunts Clarissa about Lovelace, and threatens that their father's will can control Clarissa's inheritance.

### Mrs. Hervey

Visits Clarissa to expostulate on behalf of the family, suggests Mr. Wyerley as an alternative, but ultimately fails to change Clarissa's mind.

### Robert Lovelace

Referenced as the rake Clarissa is suspected of favoring; his threatened vengeance against the family is discussed.

### Mr. Solmes

The suitor Clarissa is being pressured to marry; she expresses strong aversion to him.

### Mr. Wyerley

Mentioned by Mrs. Hervey as a possible alternative to Solmes, though Clarissa sees this as a snare.

## Key lines

> My aunt Hervey lay here last night, and is but just gone from me. She came up to me with my sister. They would not trust my aunt without this ill-natured witness.

My aunt Hervey stayed overnight and left just now; she came to my room accompanied by my sister, as they wouldn't let my aunt visit me alone.

_Clarissa notes the lack of trust in her family's approach._

> Cunning creature! said my sister. And this, and her joining in the question before, convinced me, that it was a designed snare for me.

My sister called me cunning, and her reaction confirmed my suspicion that the question about Mr. Wyerley was a trap.

_Clarissa perceives Arabella's and Mrs. Hervey's tactics as manipulative._

> your father's living will shall control your grandfather's dead one; and that estate will be disposed of as your fond grandfather would have disposed of it, had he lived to see such a change in his favourite.

Your father's current will can override your grandfather's; the estate will be handled as your grandfather would have wished if he had seen you change so much.

_Arabella threatens that Clarissa's inheritance can be revoked._

## Links

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