Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 73: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reflecting on her hasty censure of Lovelace regarding the 'pretty rustic' incident, which has been cleared up.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, reflecting on her hasty censure of Lovelace regarding the 'pretty rustic' incident, which has been cleared up. She acknowledges Lovelace's faults but appreciates his generosity, though she remains wary of his controlling nature and methods. She discusses her family's pressure to marry Solmes, her uncle Antony's impending visit, and her hope that Colonel Morden's arrival may provide an escape. She also critiques Lovelace's anti-matrimonial views and his manipulation of servants, while expressing her determination to resist forced marriage.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her right to resist forced marriage and critiques Lovelace's control, emphasizing her moral stand.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The clearing of the 'pretty rustic' incident highlights how appearances can deceive, and Clarissa warns against hasty judgments.
Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's use of spies and his attempts to control Clarissa's family dynamics illustrate themes of manipulation.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Reflects on her censure of Lovelace, acknowledges his generosity, but remains critical of his methods and controlling nature.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa addresses Anna's earlier criticism and thanks her for clearing up the 'pretty rustic' matter.
- Robert Lovelace
Cleared of the 'pretty rustic' accusation; Clarissa notes his humility and contrivances but criticizes his haughtiness and manipulation.
- Joseph Leman
Mentioned as a treacherous servant who reported to Lovelace's disadvantage and is involved with Betty Barnes.
- Antony Harlowe
Clarissa fears his impetuous nature and his presence at the upcoming conference.
- Mr. Solmes
Clarissa believes he is as afraid of seeing her as she is of him, and she resists being forced to marry him.
Key passages
“Hasty censures do indeed subject themselves to the charge of variableness and inconsistency in judgment”
Quick judgments can make one seem fickle and inconsistent.
Clarissa reflects on her own hasty condemnation of Lovelace.
“I must needs own, that as I should forever have despised this man, had he been capable of such a vile intrigue... it has indeed... proportionably engaged my generosity, as you call it, in his favour”
I admit that my relief at his innocence has made me more favorably disposed toward him.
Clarissa acknowledges that Lovelace's cleared name has softened her stance.
“I express my high disapprobation of the methods he takes to come at what passes in a private family”
I strongly disapprove of his spying on my family.
Clarissa criticizes Lovelace's use of corrupt servants.
“A stand must be made by somebody, turn round the evil as many as may, or virtue will be lost”
Someone must resist corruption, or virtue will disappear.
Clarissa asserts her moral duty to oppose wrongdoing.