Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 53: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa reports that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house, and recounts overhearing her brother James, sister Arabella, and Mr.
What happens
Clarissa reports that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house, and recounts overhearing her brother James, sister Arabella, and Mr. Solmes laughing and triumphing over her. She writes a defiant letter to her brother challenging him to an impartial debate, which provokes Arabella to confront her violently. Clarissa resolves not to be moved except by force and fears being hurried away without warning.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to refuse Solmes and challenges her brother to a debate, defending her autonomy despite familial pressure.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's defiance against her brother and sister, and her refusal to be sent to uncle Antony's, highlight the conflict between filial duty and personal will.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The family's pretense of concern masks their true motive of forcing Clarissa into marriage with Solmes for property and control.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Miss Howe in distress, detailing her family's coercion and her defiant letter to her brother.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks her to retrieve letters if she is forcibly removed.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Overheard laughing with Solmes and Arabella; receives Clarissa's challenging letter and is said to have written a 'choke-pear' letter to her.
- Arabella Harlowe
Confronts Clarissa violently after the letter, tapping her neck and threatening that she will be sent away tomorrow.
- Mr. Solmes
Overheard laughing with James and Arabella; declares he will persevere while James gives him hope.
- Betty Barnes
Mrs. Betty reports the plan to send Clarissa to uncle Antony's and shows insolent wit; later brings news of the uproar caused by Clarissa's letter.
Key passages
“Mrs. Betty tells me, there is now nothing talked of but of my going to my uncle Antony's.”
Betty informs Clarissa that the family is now focused on sending her to her uncle Antony's house.
Clarissa reports the family's plan to remove her from Harlowe Place.
“I have no doubt, that they hate me heartily.”
Clarissa is convinced that her brother and sister truly despise her.
Clarissa expresses her belief in her siblings' animosity after overhearing their laughter.
“If you think, my dear, that what I have related did not again fire me, you will find yourself mistaken when you read at this place the enclosed copy of my letter to my brother; struck off while the iron was red hot.”
Clarissa tells Anna that the overheard conversation reignited her anger, prompting her to write a fiery letter to her brother.
Clarissa explains the emotional impetus behind her defiant letter.
“What! not if your father or mother command it—? Girl? said she, intending another word, by her pause and manner before it came out.”
Arabella asks if Clarissa would disobey even their parents, pausing as if to call her a worse name.
Arabella's threatening tone escalates the confrontation.
“Is not this usage enough to provoke a rashness never before thought of?”
Clarissa wonders if such mistreatment might drive her to an impulsive act she had never considered.
Clarissa hints at the possibility of elopement or other desperate measures.
