# Letter 61: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in a state of deep distress, having proposed to renounce her inheritance and live single to avoid marrying Mr. Solmes. Her family rejects the proposal, accusing her of artfulness and rebellion. Her brother James sends a curt command that she prepare to be sent to her uncle Antony's. Clarissa appeals directly to her uncle John Harlowe for a fair answer, but fears further rejection. She also opens Lovelace's letter, which pleads for an interview and offers protection, but she remains uncertain how to respond.

## Themes in this chapter

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's proposal to give up her inheritance is a desperate attempt to negotiate with her family's demands, but they interpret it as rebellion and artfulness, deepening the conflict.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa's family accuses her of being a 'specious hypocrite' and 'artful creature,' while she insists on her sincerity, highlighting the gap between her intentions and their perceptions.

### Power and Manipulation

The family uses emotional and psychological manipulation to control Clarissa, dismissing her proposal and threatening to send her to her uncle's, while Lovelace's letter also employs manipulative pleas for an interview.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Desperate and anxious, Clarissa proposes to give up her inheritance to avoid Solmes, but her family rejects the offer, accusing her of manipulation. She writes to her uncle John Harlowe pleading for a fair answer.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Sends a harsh, dismissive letter to Clarissa, commanding her to prepare to go to their uncle Antony's, and mocking her proposal as unworthy of a particular answer.

### Arabella Harlowe

Implicated in the family's rejection of Clarissa's proposal; Clarissa speculates that Bella's nicety and pride are obstacles to accepting the offer.

### Mr. John Harlowe

Clarissa's uncle, who had shown some returning tenderness but is now reportedly ashamed of being 'taken in' by her proposal. Clarissa writes to him directly, imploring a personal answer.

### Robert Lovelace

His letter is opened by Clarissa; he pleads for an interview, vows reformation, and offers protection, but Clarissa is wary and uncertain how to reply.

### Betty Barnes

Acts as the family's messenger, relaying harsh criticisms of Clarissa and reluctantly carrying her letters, while scolding Clarissa for her disobedience.

## Key lines

> I have deposited my narrative down to this day noon; but I hope soon to follow it with another letter, that I may keep you as little a while as possible in that suspense which I am so much affected by at this moment: for my heart is disturbed at every foot I hear stir; and at every door below that I hear open or shut.

Clarissa has written up to noon today and hopes to write again soon to relieve Anna's suspense, as she herself is anxious and startled by every sound in the house.

_Clarissa's heightened anxiety and anticipation of the family's decision._

> I am 'a vile, artful creature. Everybody is too good to me. My uncle Harlowe has been taken in, that's the phrase.'

Betty reports that the family calls Clarissa a wicked, cunning person and says her uncle was deceived by her proposal.

_The family's harsh characterization of Clarissa's motives._

> Prepare yourself. Tomorrow you go to my uncle Antony's. That's all, child.

James Harlowe commands Clarissa to get ready to be sent to their uncle Antony's house the next day, with no further discussion.

_The family's decisive and punitive response to Clarissa's proposal._

> He laments, as usual, my ill opinion of him, and readiness to believe everything to his disadvantage. He puts into plain English, as I supposed he would, my hint, that I might be happier, if, by any rashness he might be guilty of to Solmes, he should come to an untimely end himself.

Lovelace complains that Clarissa always thinks ill of him and interprets her suggestion that she might be happier if he died as a threat.

_Clarissa's summary of Lovelace's letter, showing his defensive and manipulative tone._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-61-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters