# Letter 49: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Anna Howe writes to Clarissa about an unexpected visit from Lovelace, who seeks her help to win Clarissa's favor. Lovelace proposes schemes for Clarissa to escape her family's persecution, including resuming her estate with the assistance of Lady Betty Lawrance or Lord M. Anna reports Lovelace's threats of violence if Clarissa is forced to marry Solmes, but also his assurances of patience if she remains single. Anna advises Clarissa to make herself independent and to consider resuming her estate, while warning of Lovelace's violent nature.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Anna advises Clarissa to assert her independence and resume her estate, highlighting Clarissa's steadfastness and moral integrity in resisting coercion.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace attempts to manipulate Anna to influence Clarissa, while also threatening violence against Clarissa's family, showing his use of power and intimidation.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes to Clarissa recounting Lovelace's visit and his proposals, offering advice on independence and resumption of estate.

### Clarissa Harlowe

The recipient of Anna's letter; Lovelace seeks to engage Anna's interest with her, and Anna describes Clarissa's steadfastness and inflexibility when in the right.

### Robert Lovelace

Visits Anna to gain her support; proposes schemes for Clarissa to avoid persecution, threatens violence if she is forced to marry Solmes, but promises patience if she remains single.

### Mr. Hickman

Mentioned as having reported Lovelace's expected presence in town; Anna references him in relation to sounding Lord M.

### Colonel Morden

Clarissa's cousin, on whose arrival she relies for advice; Lovelace agrees to wait for his arrival.

## Key lines

> Our sex is said to love to trade in surprises: yet have I, by my promptitude, surprised myself out of mine.

Women are thought to enjoy surprises, but I have managed to surprise myself by being so quick to reveal the visitor's identity.

_Anna humorously acknowledges her own eagerness in disclosing Lovelace's visit._

> That you will resume your estate; and if you find difficulties that can be no otherwise surmounted, that you will, either avowedly or privately, as he had proposed to you, accept of Lady Betty Lawrance’s or Lord M. ’s assistance to instate you in it.

Lovelace suggests that Clarissa should reclaim her inheritance, and if necessary, accept help from Lady Betty Lawrance or Lord M. to do so, either openly or secretly.

_Lovelace proposes a concrete plan for Clarissa to gain financial independence from her family._

> Miss Clarissa Harlowe, Mr. Lovelace, let me tell you, ... is above fear, in points where her honour, and the true dignity of her sex, are concerned.

Anna asserts that Clarissa is fearless when it comes to matters of honor and the dignity of her gender.

_Anna defends Clarissa's moral strength and courage against Lovelace's implied threats._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-49-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
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