# Letter 88: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

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