Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 57: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her deep aversion to Mr.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her deep aversion to Mr. Solmes and her refusal to marry him, while also discussing her conflicted feelings about Mr. Lovelace and her determination not to leave her father's house unless absolutely necessary. She reflects on the pressures from her family and the precariousness of her situation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her refusal of Solmes while maintaining her virtue and reputation, highlighting the constraints on women's choices.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa is torn between her duty to her family and her determination to avoid a forced marriage, contemplating rebellion only as a last resort.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa worries about the hypocrisy required in a forced marriage and the world's judgment of her actions, emphasizing the gap between appearance and truth.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Author of the letter; expresses her disgust for Solmes and her internal conflict regarding Lovelace and her family.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of the letter; Clarissa thanks her for her advice and discusses her influence.
- Mr. Solmes
Clarissa's suitor; she describes him as lacking generosity and manners, and fears his vengeance.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa mentions his letters and his threatening tone; she is wary of his implacable temper.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Clarissa's brother; she references his unkindness and insolent questions.
- Betty Barnes
Clarissa's 'saucy gaoleress'; she delivers impertinent messages and teases Clarissa about her situation.
Key passages
“How soothing a thing is praise from those we love!”
Praise from loved ones is deeply comforting.
Clarissa opens the letter reflecting on the value of Anna's approval.
“How much easier to bear the temporary persecutions I labour under, because temporary, than to resolve to be such a man's for life?”
It is easier to endure short-term hardships than to commit to a lifetime of misery with Solmes.
Clarissa justifies her refusal to marry Solmes by comparing temporary suffering to permanent bondage.
“Nothing but the last extremity shall make me abandon my father's house, if they will permit me to stay”
I will only leave my father's house as a last resort, if they allow me to remain.
Clarissa states her resolve to stay home unless absolutely forced to leave.