Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 86: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing her decision to leave her family home with Lovelace's assistance on Monday next.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe detailing her decision to leave her family home with Lovelace's assistance on Monday next. She outlines the terms of her departure, including her insistence on privacy, her refusal to litigate for her estate, and her conditions for Lovelace's conduct. She expresses deep regret and anxiety about the step, noting Solmes's presence and her family's watchfulness, while describing the practical arrangements for the escape.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa asserts her agency by choosing to leave, but frames it as a forced necessity, striving to preserve her virtue and reputation.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa rebels against her family's insistence on Solmes, yet seeks reconciliation and refuses to litigate against her father.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa plans a secret escape while maintaining appearances, and Lovelace uses disguises to avoid detection.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Miss Howe, confirming her resolution to leave home and detailing the terms of her departure with Lovelace.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa seeks her prayers and approval or censure.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa deposits a letter for him outlining her conditions for the escape and future conduct.
- Mr. Solmes
Present at the Harlowe house, dining with his 'new relations'; Clarissa avoids him.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as having said 'cold is a bracer' regarding the Ivy Summerhouse.
- Betty Barnes
Mentioned as a servant Clarissa plans to send on an errand; also reports Solmes's presence.
Key passages
“I have no way to avoid the determined resolution of my friends in behalf of Mr. Solmes, but by abandoning this house by his assistance.”
The only way I can escape my family's insistence on Solmes is to leave this house with Lovelace's help.
Clarissa states her rationale for seeking Lovelace's aid.
“Could I, without an unpardonable sin, die when I would, I would sooner make death my choice, than take a step, which all the world, if not my own heart, would condemn me for taking.”
If I could choose death without committing a sin, I would rather die than take this action that the world and my own conscience would condemn.
Clarissa expresses her deep reluctance and moral anguish.
“I must expect to be denied the possession of my estate: but that I am determined never to consent to a litigation with my father, were I to be reduced to ever so low a state.”
I know I will likely lose my inheritance, but I will never sue my father, no matter how poor I become.
Clarissa renounces legal action against her father.
“I think it best to go into a private lodging in the neighbourhood of Lady Betty Lawrance; and not to her ladyship’s house; that it may not appear to the world that I have refuged myself in his family.”
I prefer to stay in a private lodging near Lady Betty rather than at her house, to avoid the appearance of living with Lovelace's family.
Clarissa prioritizes her reputation and the possibility of reconciliation.
“If, in this treaty, my friends insist upon my resolving against marrying him, I will engage to comply with them; provided they will allow me to promise him, that I will never be the wife of any other man while he remains single, or is living.”
If my family demands that I never marry Lovelace, I will agree, as long as I can promise him that I will never marry anyone else while he is alive and unmarried.
Clarissa offers a conditional compromise to her family.
