Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 455: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing deep concern for both her mother's sudden illness and Clarissa's declining health.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing deep concern for both her mother's sudden illness and Clarissa's declining health. She reports on a visit from Colonel Morden, who has met with Lovelace and is furious with both him and the Harlowe family. Morden plans to secure Clarissa's inheritance and insists on justice. Anna also reflects on her own reluctance to marry, criticizing men in general and Hickman in particular.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The Harlowe family's refusal to reconcile with Clarissa, despite her illness, and their insistence on controlling her inheritance and will, exemplify the tension between familial duty and individual autonomy.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna's unwavering support for Clarissa, her distress over her friend's health, and her willingness to share sensitive family news demonstrate deep loyalty and friendship.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, distraught over her mother's illness and Clarissa's health; reports on Colonel Morden's visit and her own views on marriage.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Anna's dearest friend, reported to be very ill; Anna implores her to recover and sends news of family matters.
- Colonel Morden
Visited Anna, met with Lovelace, and is determined to secure Clarissa's inheritance and see justice done; furious with the Harlowe family.
- Robert Lovelace
Subject of Colonel Morden's anger; Anna describes him as a devil in heart despite his desirable figure and fortune.
- Mr. Hickman
Mentioned by Anna as a potential husband she finds unappealing; she criticizes his lack of wit and understanding.
Key passages
“If I lose you, my more than sister, and lose my mother, I shall distrust my own conduct, and will not marry.”
Anna says that if both Clarissa and her mother die, she will lose faith in her own judgment and refuse to marry.
Anna expresses her deep emotional dependence on Clarissa and her mother, linking their potential loss to her own future decisions.
“See in Lovelace all that is desirable in figure, in birth, and in fortune: but in his heart a devil!”
Anna observes that Lovelace has an attractive appearance, noble birth, and wealth, but his character is evil.
Anna starkly contrasts Lovelace's outward advantages with his inner corruption, reinforcing the theme of deception and appearance vs. reality.