Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 484: Miss Arab. Harlowe, to Miss Cl. Harlowe explained
Arabella Harlowe writes to her sister Clarissa, expressing the family's distress upon hearing of her severe illness.
What happens
Arabella Harlowe writes to her sister Clarissa, expressing the family's distress upon hearing of her severe illness. She conveys that despite Clarissa's past transgressions, the family still loves her and is willing to forgive, offering reconciliation and the promise of their mother's visit to town. Arabella urges Clarissa to take comfort and respond gratefully.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
The letter represents the family's attempt to reassert obligation and forgiveness after Clarissa's rebellion, emphasizing the tension between individual actions and familial duty.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's illness and the family's offer of reconciliation frame her suffering as a path to potential redemption and restored familial love.
Characters to notice
- Arabella Harlowe
Writes a reconciliatory letter to Clarissa, expressing familial love and forgiveness.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; reported to be exceedingly ill, the family seeks to comfort her.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Mentioned as willing to travel to town to visit Clarissa if the letter is well received.
- Mrs. Norton
Mentioned as the good woman Clarissa loves, who will be sent to her.
Key passages
“We have just heard that you are exceedingly ill. We all loved you as never young creature was loved: you are sensible of that, sister Clary. And you have been very naughty—but we could not be angry always.”
We've heard you are very sick. You know we loved you more than anyone. You've done wrong, but we can't stay angry forever.
Arabella acknowledges Clarissa's illness and wrongdoing while expressing enduring family love.
“Take comfort, therefore, sister Clary, and don’t be too much cast down—whatever your mortifications may be ... you will receive none from any of us ; and, as an earnest of your papa’s and mamma’s favour and reconciliation, they assure you by me of their blessing and hourly prayers.”
So take heart, sister, and don't be too discouraged—no matter your troubles, you'll get none from us; as a sign of our parents' favor and reconciliation, they send their blessing and constant prayers through me.
Arabella offers comfort and conveys the parents' forgiveness and spiritual support.