Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 54: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa shares a cruel letter from her sister Arabella, who mocks her defiance and announces that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house.
What happens
Clarissa shares a cruel letter from her sister Arabella, who mocks her defiance and announces that she is to be sent to her uncle Antony's house. Clarissa's mother responds with a tear-stained note, reaffirming the family's authority. Desperate and isolated, Clarissa seeks Anna's advice on whether to flee to London or to her cousin Morden, while finding solace in setting the 'Ode to Wisdom' to music.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her moral autonomy by seeking wisdom and virtue through the 'Ode to Wisdom,' even as her family tries to force her into a marriage against her will.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa is torn between obedience to her parents and her refusal to marry Solmes; her sister's letter and mother's note underscore the family's demand for submission.
Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's emotional turmoil and physical isolation are evident as she seeks solace in music and prayer, hoping for divine guidance amid her persecution.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna in distress after receiving a provoking letter from her sister and a sorrowful note from her mother; considers fleeing to London or to her cousin Morden.
- Anna Howe
The recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks for her cool judgment and advice on what course to pursue.
- Arabella Harlowe
Writes a scornful letter to Clarissa, mocking her mixed character and announcing her banishment to uncle Antony's house.
- Mrs. Harlowe
Sends a brief, tear-stained reply to Clarissa, forbidding further addresses and defending the family's authority.
- Antony Harlowe
Mentioned as the uncle who will receive Clarissa at his house.
- Colonel Morden
Clarissa considers fleeing to her cousin Morden, who is abroad.
Key passages
“I have a most provoking letter from my sister. I might have supposed she would resent the contempt she brought upon herself in my chamber.”
Clarissa receives a letter from Arabella that is deliberately insulting, likely because Arabella feels humiliated by their earlier confrontation.
Clarissa interprets her sister's hostility as retaliation for a previous quarrel.
“To apply for protection, where authority is defied, is bold.”
Clarissa's mother warns that seeking help from someone who has already rejected the family's authority is a risky move.
Mrs. Harlowe rebukes Clarissa for appealing to her after defying the family's commands.
“Shall I fly to London, and endeavour to hide myself from Lovelace, as well as from all my own relations, till my cousin Morden arrives?”
Clarissa considers escaping to London to avoid both Lovelace and her family until her cousin Morden returns from abroad.
Clarissa weighs the dangers of fleeing alone versus staying under family pressure.