Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 63: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, recounting a sharp dialogue with the impertinent servant Betty Barnes, who delivers a letter from Uncle John Harlowe demanding Clarissa's compliance with the family's plan to marry her to Solmes.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, recounting a sharp dialogue with the impertinent servant Betty Barnes, who delivers a letter from Uncle John Harlowe demanding Clarissa's compliance with the family's plan to marry her to Solmes. Clarissa revokes her appointment to meet Lovelace, citing the risk of discovery and her determination to avoid Solmes. She writes to her uncle pleading for a fortnight's respite before being sent to Uncle Antony's, hoping to delay the crisis.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to refuse Solmes and to control her own correspondence, despite family pressure.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's defiance of her uncle's demands and her plea for a respite highlight the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa questions Lovelace's sincerity and the family's portrayal of Solmes's motives, while also managing secret correspondence.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the letter; engages in a witty exchange with Betty, revokes her meeting with Lovelace, and pleads for a respite from her family's plans.
- Anna Howe
The recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa asks her to inquire about Lovelace's disguises.
- Betty Barnes
The pert servant who delivers Uncle John's letter, engages in a dialogue with Clarissa, and warns her of the consequences of disobedience.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Uncle John writes a letter demanding Clarissa's compliance and warns her to make discreet use of her pen and ink.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa revokes her appointment to meet him, citing risk of discovery and her determination against Solmes.
- Mr. Solmes
The suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; she reiterates her determination to choose death over him.
Key passages
“Poverty is the mother of health.”
Being poor often leads to good health because one cannot overindulge.
Clarissa uses this proverb to explain her own lack of appetite under stress.
“the pleasures of the mighty are obtained by the tears of the poor.”
The rich enjoy luxuries that come from the suffering of the poor.
Clarissa reflects on social inequality in her dialogue with Betty.
“Better a hare-foot than none at all.”
Having something inferior is better than having nothing.
Clarissa uses this proverb to illustrate that even a poor substitute is better than being completely without.
“love, that deserves the name, seeks the satisfaction of the beloved object more than its own.”
True love prioritizes the happiness of the loved one over selfish desires.
Clarissa critiques Solmes's professed love as self-serving.
“write to one man, when I am designed for another!”
She is being forced to correspond with Lovelace while being intended for Solmes.
Clarissa expresses horror at her family's contradictory demands.
