Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 82: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa reflects on her dire situation, acknowledging her family's hostility and her own hidden pride.
What happens
Clarissa reflects on her dire situation, acknowledging her family's hostility and her own hidden pride. She rejects Anna's proposals to elope with Lovelace or seek protection from his family, and instead considers escaping to London alone, though she fears the practical and moral difficulties.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her own choices (rejecting Solmes, avoiding elopement) while maintaining her moral integrity and reputation.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa is torn between obedience to her family and her refusal to marry Solmes, leading her to contemplate a secret escape.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa worries that even a virtuous escape to London would be misconstrued by the world as a liaison with Lovelace, underscoring the gap between intention and perception.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa writes to Anna, expressing despair, self-reflection, and a cautious preference for escaping to London alone rather than marrying Solmes or eloping with Lovelace.
- Anna Howe
Anna is addressed as Clarissa's dearest friend; her three alternatives (escape to London, protection by Lord M.'s family, or direct marriage to Lovelace) are discussed and rejected.
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace is mentioned as the man whose morals Clarissa distrusts; she rejects his proposal to take possession of her house and fears his discovery of her whereabouts.
- Mr. Solmes
Solmes is the suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; she would rather escape to London than become his wife.
- James Harlowe Jr.
James is blamed as the instigating brother who, along with Arabella, has driven Clarissa into her current misery.
- Arabella Harlowe
Arabella is mentioned as the envious sister who has contributed to Clarissa's suffering.
Key passages
“I am afraid I am singled out (either for my own faults, or for the faults of my family, or perhaps for the faults of both) to be a very unhappy creature!— signally unhappy!”
Clarissa fears she is destined for exceptional unhappiness, whether due to her own failings, her family's, or both.
Clarissa expresses a sense of fatalistic victimhood, blending self-blame with family criticism.
“What appears to me, upon the fullest deliberation, the most eligible, if I must be thus driven, is the escaping to London.”
After careful thought, Clarissa concludes that fleeing to London is the best option if she is forced to leave home.
Clarissa chooses London over elopement or seeking protection from Lovelace's family, though she still has many reservations.
“I would forfeit all my hopes of happiness in this life, rather than you should go away with me, as you rashly, though with the kindest intentions, propose.”
Clarissa would rather give up her own chance at happiness than allow Anna to accompany her, despite Anna's generous offer.
Clarissa refuses to let Anna risk her own reputation and family peace for her sake.