Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 458: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa, gravely ill, writes to Anna Howe responding to news of Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa, gravely ill, writes to Anna Howe responding to news of Mrs. Howe's illness and urging reconciliation with Mr. Hickman. She reflects on her own suffering, the meanness of Lovelace's penitence, and her fear of posthumous vengeance. She discusses her will and the disposition of her grandfather's estate, expressing hope that her family will approve. She concludes with philosophical reflections on life's inevitable thorns and a blessing for Anna.
Themes in this chapter
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's illness and reflections on life's thorns frame her suffering as instructive and redemptive.
Friendship and Loyalty
Clarissa's deep affection for Anna and her concern for Anna's happiness and reconciliation with Hickman.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa contrasts Lovelace's outward penitence with his inner baseness, and reflects on Mr. Brand's misguided report.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes while very ill, reflecting on her suffering, her will, and her rejection of Lovelace.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa urges her to reconcile with Mr. Hickman and expresses concern over her mother's illness.
- Mr. Hickman
Clarissa advises Anna to value his sobriety and regularity, and to make up with him.
- Robert Lovelace
Mentioned as having sent a penitent letter; Clarissa despises his meanness and fears he may harm her family after her death.
- John Belford
Reported to Clarissa that Lovelace is concerned and self-accusing.
- Mr. Brand
Mentioned as having given a report that turned things against her, though Clarissa believes he meant well.
Key passages
“we seldom know how to value the blessings we enjoy, till we are in danger of losing them, or have actually lost them”
People often fail to appreciate what they have until they are about to lose it or have already lost it.
Clarissa reflects on Anna's appreciation for her mother after her illness.
“the true bravery of spirit is to be above doing a vile action; and that nothing subjects the human mind to so much meanness, as the consciousness of having done wilful wrong to our fellow creatures.”
True courage lies in refraining from evil deeds; nothing makes a person more contemptible than the awareness of having deliberately harmed others.
Clarissa contrasts Lovelace's pretended bravery with his actual baseness.
“pride, in man or woman, is an extreme that hardly ever fails, sooner or later, to bring forth its mortifying contrary.”
Pride in anyone almost always leads eventually to humiliation.
Clarissa warns Anna against pride, urging humility in her relationship with Hickman.