Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 47: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, criticizing her resolution not to litigate for her rights and urging her to assert herself against her family's tyranny.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, criticizing her resolution not to litigate for her rights and urging her to assert herself against her family's tyranny. She reflects on the dynamics of power, pride, and submission within the Harlowe family, particularly regarding Mrs. Harlowe's passive compliance and James Harlowe Jr.'s insolence. Anna defends her frankness as a true friend's duty and warns Clarissa against yielding to unjust treatment.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Anna urges Clarissa to assert her legal rights and not passively accept injustice, emphasizing the importance of self-advocacy for women.
Power and Manipulation
The letter dissects how the Harlowe family uses intimidation and control, with Mrs. Harlowe's submission serving as a cautionary example.
Friendship and Loyalty
Anna positions herself as a true friend who speaks frankly for Clarissa's benefit, contrasting with the false loyalty of family members.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes a spirited letter urging Clarissa to stand up for her rights and criticizing her family's behavior.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Admonished by Anna for her passive resolve not to litigate; praised for her virtue but urged to act with resolution.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Described as an insolent bully and a coward among men; Anna criticizes his treatment of Clarissa and his arrogance.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Pitied for her submissive will and artful letter; Anna suggests she has been overpowered by the family's harshness.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Mentioned as part of the family's oppressive dynamic, though not directly addressed.
Key passages
“Justice is due to ourselves, as well as to everybody else.”
We owe it to ourselves to seek justice, just as we would for others.
Anna argues that Clarissa has a duty to pursue her legal rights.
“That little spirits will always accommodate themselves to the temper of those they would work upon: will fawn upon a sturdy-tempered person: will insult the meek.”
Small-minded people adapt to whoever they want to influence, flattering the strong and bullying the gentle.
Anna recalls Clarissa's own maxim to encourage her to adopt a dignified stance.
“A brother may not be a friend: but a friend will always be a brother.”
A sibling isn't necessarily a true friend, but a true friend is like a sibling.
Anna contrasts her loyal friendship with James's unbrotherly behavior.