# Letter 60: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa receives a tender letter from her uncle John Harlowe, urging her to comply with the family's wishes and marry Mr. Solmes. She responds with a proposal to renounce her grandfather's estate in favor of her sister Arabella, hoping to avoid marriage to Solmes while preserving family harmony. She also mentions receiving a letter from Lovelace but chooses not to open it until she sees the outcome of her offer.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa struggles between her duty to obey her family and her refusal to marry Solmes, proposing a compromise to resign her estate.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her agency by proposing a solution that avoids marriage to Solmes while maintaining her virtue and family ties.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes to Miss Howe, describing her uncle's letter and her own counter-proposal to resign the estate.

### Mr. John Harlowe

Sends a tender letter to Clarissa, urging her to obey the family and marry Solmes.

### Mr. Solmes

Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa refuses; his ill qualities are glossed over by her uncle.

### Robert Lovelace

Clarissa receives a letter from him but does not open it, pending the outcome of her proposal.

### Arabella Harlowe

Clarissa proposes to resign the estate to her, as she has a high opinion of Mr. Solmes.

## Key lines

> What blemishes dies affection hide!—But perhaps they may say to me, What faults does antipathy bring to light!

Love conceals flaws, but dislike reveals them.

_Clarissa reflects on how her uncle's affection for Solmes blinds him to Solmes's faults, while her own aversion highlights them._

> Resolve but to oblige us all, my dearest Miss Clary, and you shall see how we will clasp you everyone by turns to our rejoicing hearts.

If you agree to our wishes, we will embrace you with joy.

_Uncle John promises familial affection if Clarissa complies with the marriage plan._

> Let me but be permitted to avoid the man I hate; and I will give up with cheerfulness the man I could prefer.

If I can escape marrying the man I detest, I will willingly renounce the one I favor.

_Clarissa offers to give up Lovelace if she is not forced to marry Solmes._

## Links

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