Letter 46: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Anna's letter demonstrates deep concern for Clarissa's well-being, offering both humor and serious support despite her own levity.

• Class and Social Reputation

  Anna's critique of Hickman's dress, manners, and social standing reflects the importance of reputation and class in marriage prospects.

Characters to notice

• Anna Howe

  Writes a whimsical and affectionate letter to Clarissa, expressing impatience, humor, and concern for her friend's plight.

• Clarissa Harlowe

  The recipient of the letter; Anna addresses Clarissa's recent correspondence and her troubled circumstances.

• Mr. Hickman

  Anna humorously critiques his appearance, manners, and character, noting his courtship of her mother and his lack of manliness compared to Lovelace.

• Mrs. Howe

  Anna's mother, who is planning a visit to Mrs. Larking and is favorable toward Mr. Hickman, using him to prompt Anna's attention.

• Robert Lovelace

  Mentioned in contrast to Hickman; Anna describes him as a fiery, mischievous rogue with more manly features.

Key passages

• “I believe you did not intend reserves to me: for two reasons I believe you did not: First, because you say you did not: Next, because you have not as yet been able to convince yourself how it is to be with you; and persecuted as you are, how so to separate the effects that spring from the two causes ( persecution and love ) as to give to each its particular due.”

  Anna trusts Clarissa's honesty, noting that Clarissa herself is confused about whether her feelings stem from persecution or love.

  Anna acknowledges Clarissa's emotional turmoil and the difficulty of distinguishing between external pressure and genuine affection.

• “Hickman is certainly a man more in your taste than any of those who have hitherto been brought to address you. He is mighty sober, mighty grave, and all that.”

  Anna suggests that Hickman's sober and grave demeanor might appeal to Clarissa more than her other suitors.

  Anna playfully proposes Hickman as a match for Clarissa, though she herself finds him tedious.

• “I am sensible that I am a little out of season in treating thus ludicrously the subject I am upon, while you are so unhappy; and if my manner does not divert you, as my flightiness used to do, I am inexcusable both to you, and to my own heart: which, I do assure you, notwithstanding my seeming levity, is wholly in your case.”

  Anna worries that her humorous tone might be inappropriate given Clarissa's distress, but insists her heart is fully with her friend.

  Anna balances her natural levity with genuine empathy for Clarissa's suffering.