Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 45: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa recounts a visit from her aunt Hervey and sister Arabella, who pressure her to accept Mr.
What happens
Clarissa recounts a visit from her aunt Hervey and sister Arabella, who pressure her to accept Mr. Solmes. Despite her aunt's kneeling entreaties and Arabella's mocking insults, Clarissa remains steadfast in her refusal, pleading to be sent away rather than marry a man she cannot endure. Her aunt privately admires her resolve but urges submission to her father's will.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to refuse a suitor she cannot endure, valuing sincerity and personal conscience over familial obedience.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa struggles between her duty to her family and her deep aversion to Solmes, ultimately resisting their demands.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Arabella's mocking pretense of cheerfulness contrasts with the underlying cruelty and family conflict.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Defends her refusal of Solmes with emotional pleas, expresses willingness to be sent anywhere rather than marry him, and shows concern for Mrs. Norton.
- Arabella Harlowe
Insults Clarissa with sarcastic remarks about wedding clothes and patterns, accuses her of perverseness, and leaves in anger.
- Mrs. Judith Norton
Mentioned by Clarissa as a virtuous woman whose advice has influenced her resolve, and for whom she seeks continued favor from her mother.
- Mr. Solmes
Referenced as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his riches and settlements are urged by the family.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Blamed by Clarissa for forcing the marriage measure and for his furious temper.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned in Arabella's taunts and as the man Clarissa is accused of favoring.
Key passages
“How can I perform what I can sooner choose to die than to perform—!”
Clarissa declares she would rather die than marry Solmes.
Highlights her absolute refusal and desperation.
“Let me be sent, as I have proposed, to Scotland, to Florence, anywhere: let me be sent a slave to the Indies, anywhere—any of these I will consent to.”
Clarissa offers to be sent anywhere, even as a slave, rather than marry Solmes.
Shows her willingness to accept extreme exile over the marriage.
“I would rather be thought perverse than insincere.”
Clarissa prefers to appear stubborn than to be dishonest.
Emphasizes her commitment to truth and integrity.