# Letter 48: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Miss Howe relays to Clarissa the results of Mr. Hickman's inquiries into Lovelace's reputation in London. Hickman encountered Lovelace's associates Belton and Mowbray, who praised Lovelace's qualities but said nothing of his morals. Miss Howe reflects on Hickman's discomfort with their free speech and recalls a lesson she once gave him about standing up for virtue. She concludes that while Lovelace may be capable of reformation, he still does not deserve Clarissa.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Loyalty

Miss Howe's protective concern for Clarissa motivates her to investigate Lovelace's character.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace is praised as a fine gentleman by his friends, yet his morals are absent from their commendations.

### Libertinism and Morality

The conversation at the Cocoa-tree highlights the contrast between libertine values and virtuous conduct.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa with news of Lovelace's reputation; reflects on Hickman's behavior and recalls her own moral teachings.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; her character and virtue are contrasted with Lovelace's associates.

### Robert Lovelace

Subject of inquiry; praised by his friends for bravery and charm but not for morals.

### Mr. Hickman

Conducted the inquiry in London; reported on Lovelace's associates and their conversation.

### Thomas Belton

One of Lovelace's intimates encountered at the Cocoa-tree; spoke freely of Lovelace.

### Richard Mowbray

Another of Lovelace's intimates; joined Belton in praising Lovelace.

## Key lines

> Mr. Hickman said, that Mr. Lovelace was very happy, as he understood, in the esteem of the ladies; and smiling, to make them believe he did not think amiss of it, that he pushed his good fortune as far as it would go.

Hickman hinted that Lovelace was successful with women and took full advantage of it.

_Miss Howe reports Hickman's tactful probing of Lovelace's reputation._

> That vice was a coward, and would hide its head, when opposed by such a virtue as had presence of mind, and a full persuasion of its own rectitude to support it.

Vice retreats when confronted by confident and self-assured virtue.

_Miss Howe recalls a moral lesson she once gave Hickman, attributed to Dr. Lewen._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-48-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters