# Letter 68: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Miss Howe responds to Clarissa's recent letters, offering a mix of reproof and advice. She warns against Lovelace's manipulative 'ingenuity' and cautions Clarissa about the dangers of forgiving his faults. She also advises Clarissa to stand firm against her family's pressure, particularly regarding the impending interview with Solmes, and criticizes the treatment she receives from her relatives.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Anna warns that Lovelace's supposed 'ingenuity' is a deceptive tactic to mask his faults and manipulate Clarissa.

### Power and Manipulation

Anna analyzes how Lovelace uses submission and insult to break Clarissa's resentment and gain control, drawing parallels to marital power dynamics.

## Character check-ins

### Anna Howe

Writes a critical and advisory letter to Clarissa, analyzing Lovelace's character and urging her to resist family pressure.

### Clarissa Harlowe

Recipient of the letter; praised for her noble offer to give up her estate and for her resolve not to leave her father's house.

### Robert Lovelace

Criticized for his manipulative 'ingenuity' and passionate temper; Anna warns Clarissa about his dangerous character.

### Mr. Solmes

Mentioned in the context of the impending interview with Clarissa; Anna doubts he can succeed in winning her.

### Mr. Hickman

Used as a comparison to Lovelace; Anna speculates that he would be similarly domineering if given the chance.

## Key lines

> By means of this supposed ingenuity, Lovelace obtains a praise, instead of a merited dispraise; and, like an absolved confessionaire, wipes off as he goes along one score, to begin another

Lovelace uses his pretended honesty to gain praise instead of blame, clearing himself of one fault only to commit another.

_Anna criticizes Lovelace's manipulative use of apparent candor._

> The Muscovite wife then takes place of the managed mistress.

Clarissa would become a submissive wife, like a Russian wife under absolute control, instead of a mistress who manages her own affairs.

_Anna warns of the loss of autonomy in marriage._

> All good-natured men are passionate, says Mr. Lovelace. A pretty plea to a beloved object in the plenitude of her power!

Lovelace claims that good-natured men are passionate, but Anna sees this as a weak excuse for not controlling his temper.

_Anna dismisses Lovelace's justification for his behavior._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-68-miss-howe-to-miss-clarissa-harlowe
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- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters