# Letter 79: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing the escalating pressures from her family to marry Mr. Solmes. She describes her aunt's attempt to persuade her to hear Solmes's accusations against Lovelace, a violent confrontation with her brother who forces her into a room with Solmes, and the confiscation of her pens and ink by her parents. Clarissa remains defiant, refusing to see Solmes again and asserting her aversion to him.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa asserts her right to refuse Solmes and resist family coercion, defending her own will and integrity.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's defiance against her family's demands to marry Solmes highlights the conflict between filial duty and personal autonomy.

### Power and Manipulation

The family uses physical force, emotional pressure, and confiscation of property to compel Clarissa's obedience.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter, describing her resistance to family pressure and her steadfast refusal of Mr. Solmes.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa seeks her advice and support regarding her mother's indulgence.

### Mr. Solmes

Present in the house; Clarissa's brother forces her to see him, but she vehemently rejects him.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Forces Clarissa into a room with Solmes and physically restrains her when she tries to leave.

### Arabella Harlowe

Mentioned as part of the family's harsh treatment of Clarissa.

### Dolly Hervey

Reluctantly acts as a messenger to take Clarissa's pen and ink, showing sympathy.

## Key lines

> I must write as I have opportunity; making use of my concealed stores: for my pens and ink (all of each that they could find) are taken from me; as I shall tell you about more particularly by and by.

I have to write whenever I can, using hidden supplies, because they have taken away all my pens and ink, which I will explain later.

_Clarissa describes the loss of her writing materials due to family restrictions._

> You shall not go, Violence; clasping his unbrotherly arms about me.

You will not leave, you violent girl, he said, wrapping his arms around me in an unbrotherly way.

_James physically restrains Clarissa, showing the family's aggressive tactics._

> I am sorry, very sorry, said she, Miss, to be the messenger: but your papa will not have you in the same house with him: he is resolved you shall

I am truly sorry to be the one to tell you this, but your father refuses to have you in the house with him, and he is determined that you will...

_Dolly Hervey reluctantly delivers the message about Clarissa's father's ultimatum._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-79-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters