Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 75: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa describes a day of puzzling behavior from her family, who treat her with unexpected kindness and avoid discussing the forced marriage to Solmes.
What happens
Clarissa describes a day of puzzling behavior from her family, who treat her with unexpected kindness and avoid discussing the forced marriage to Solmes. She recounts visits from Dr. Lewen and her uncle Harlowe, both of whom refuse to engage on the subject, and notes her brother and sister's affectionate demeanor. Clarissa also shares Lovelace's letter, which promises reformation and warns against going to her uncle Antony's moated house. She expresses hope in Anna's efforts with her mother and offers to flee to Anna if necessary.
Themes in this chapter
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's family uses kindness and avoidance to pressure her into compliance, while she resists the forced marriage to Solmes.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The family's affectionate behavior masks their true intent to coerce Clarissa; Lovelace's promises of reformation may also be deceptive.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the day's events, feeling perplexed by her family's new treatment and reflecting on Lovelace's letter.
- Anna Howe
Addressed by Clarissa; Clarissa hopes Anna's efforts with her mother will prevent harsh extremities.
- Robert Lovelace
His letter is summarized; he promises reformation, defends his intelligence-gathering, and warns against going to Uncle Antony's.
- Arabella Harlowe
Shows affectionate behavior with James in the garden, then quarrels with Clarissa over the Kempis book.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Walks arm-in-arm with Arabella in the garden, displaying good humor and asking for poultry for Scotland.
- Mr. John Harlowe
Visits Clarissa in her apartment, speaks kindly but avoids the subject of Solmes, calling her 'charming creature.'
Key passages
“I have many new particulars to acquaint you with, that show a great change in the behaviour of my friends as I find we have.”
Clarissa tells Anna that her family's behavior has changed significantly.
Opening of the letter, setting up the theme of puzzling treatment.
“He left me so dissatisfied, yet so perplexed with this new way of treatment, that I never found myself so much disconcerted, and out of my train.”
Clarissa felt confused and unsettled by Dr. Lewen's refusal to discuss the marriage.
Clarissa's reaction to the doctor's avoidance of the subject.
“All will be well now. All will be right!—No more complainings! everybody loves you!—I only came to make my earliest court to you!”
Uncle Harlowe reassures Clarissa that everything is fine and expresses his affection.
Uncle Harlowe's attempt to soothe Clarissa without addressing the core issue.
“He regrets my indifference to him; which puts all the hope he has in my favour upon the shocking usage I receive from my friends.”
Lovelace says his only hope is that Clarissa's family mistreatment will make her favor him.
From Lovelace's letter, highlighting his reliance on her family's cruelty.