Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 88: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa receives an ecstatic reply from Lovelace, who promises to comply with all her wishes regarding a private lodging and future plans.
What happens
Clarissa receives an ecstatic reply from Lovelace, who promises to comply with all her wishes regarding a private lodging and future plans. He assures her of his family's support, financial security, and willingness to reconcile with her family. Despite his reassurances, Clarissa is filled with doubt and anxiety about eloping, contemplating retreating to a single life instead.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her autonomy while maintaining her virtue, weighing the risks of elopement against family pressure.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace's promises of compliance and family support contrast with Clarissa's growing doubts about his true intentions.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe, expressing her doubts and fears about eloping with Lovelace despite his promises.
- Robert Lovelace
Lovelace sends a letter promising compliance with Clarissa's wishes, detailing his family's support and financial arrangements.
- Anna Howe
Clarissa addresses this letter to Anna, sharing her inner turmoil and seeking her friend's counsel.
- Miss Charlotte Montague
Mentioned as unable to attend Clarissa due to a cold and sore throat, but intended to accompany her.
- Miss Patty Montague
Considered as a possible companion but deemed too low-spirited and timorous by Lovelace.
Key passages
“He promises compliance with my will in every article: approves of all I propose; particularly of the private lodging: and thinks it a happy expedient to obviate the censures of the busy and the unreflecting”
Lovelace agrees to all of Clarissa's conditions, especially the private lodging, to avoid gossip.
Clarissa notes Lovelace's apparent willingness to follow her wishes.
“What am I about to do! He himself, it is plain, thinks it necessary that I should be accompanied with one of my own sex.”
Clarissa realizes that even Lovelace believes she needs a female companion, heightening her anxiety.
Clarissa's self-doubt intensifies as she considers the implications of the elopement.
“After all, as far as I have gone, I know not but I may still recede: and, if I do, a mortal quarrel I suppose will ensue.”
Clarissa considers backing out of the plan, fearing it would cause a serious conflict with Lovelace.
Clarissa contemplates retreating to avoid the elopement.