Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 5: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe explaining her delay in correspondence due to her mother's illness.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe explaining her delay in correspondence due to her mother's illness. She reflects on the family tensions caused by the conflict over Mr. Lovelace, her brother and sister's caballing against her, and her mother's gentle but passive nature. Clarissa also critiques her father's temper, worsened by gout, and her brother's haughty disposition, while expressing regret that Anna could not have been her sister.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa fulfills her duty by nursing her mother, but critiques the family's treatment of her and her brother's lack of filial respect.
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa reflects on women's need to bear 'uncourtliness' from men and observes that generosity is rarer in men than in women.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the letter, describing her mother's illness and family discord.
- Anna Howe
The recipient of the letter; Clarissa addresses her directly.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Has been very ill with a violent colic; Clarissa nursed her.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Described as haughty, ill-tempered, and caballing with Arabella against Clarissa.
- Arabella Harlowe
Joins with James in caballing against Clarissa.
Key passages
“The contentions of these fierce, these masculine spirits, and the apprehension of mischiefs that may arise from the increasing animosity which all here have against Mr. Lovelace, and his too well known resenting and intrepid character, she cannot bear.”
My mother cannot endure the conflicts among the aggressive men in the family and her fear of the trouble that might come from everyone's growing hatred of Mr. Lovelace, whose vengeful and bold nature is well known.
Clarissa explains the source of her mother's distress.
“Had she been of a temper that would have borne less, she would have had ten times less to bear, than she has had.”
If my mother had been less patient and accommodating, she would have been treated much better.
Clarissa critiques her mother's excessive meekness.