# Letter 91: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe from the Ivy Summerhouse, detailing a visit from her aunt who conducts a search of her belongings under family orders. Clarissa cleverly complies to avoid suspicion while secretly preparing for a clandestine meeting with Lovelace. She wrestles with anxiety over the impending interview, torn between duty and her own inclinations, and reflects on her brother's cunning and the family's oppressive surveillance.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa navigates family surveillance and her own conscience, striving to maintain autonomy and moral integrity while facing pressure to comply.

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Clarissa feigns compliance during the search while secretly planning the interview, and reflects on the 'low art' of espionage used by both her brother and Lovelace.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates the letter, describes her aunt's search and her own conflicted feelings about meeting Lovelace.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of the letter; Clarissa seeks her advice and laments her inability to consult her in time.

### Arabella Harlowe

Mentioned as part of the family council, likely to construe any findings against Clarissa.

### James Harlowe Jr.

Criticized by Clarissa for his cunning and pride; she suspects he is behind the family's surveillance.

### Mr. Solmes

Implied as the suitor Clarissa is being pressured to accept; the family hopes to force compliance before Wednesday.

## Key lines

> I not only gave her the keys of all, but even officiously emptied my pockets before her, and invited her to put her fingers in my stays, that she might be sure I had no papers there.

Clarissa voluntarily handed over her keys and even emptied her pockets and allowed her aunt to search her clothing to prove she had no hidden papers.

_Demonstrates Clarissa's strategic compliance to avoid suspicion._

> I thought the cunning she hinted at, on both sides, called rather for contempt than applause.

Clarissa expresses disdain for the manipulative tactics employed by both her brother and Lovelace.

_Highlights Clarissa's moral stance against deceit._

> Don't you see how crooked some of my lines are? Don't you see how some of the letters stagger more than others?—That is when this interview is more in my head than in my subject.

Clarissa notes that her handwriting is shaky because her mind is preoccupied with the upcoming meeting with Lovelace.

_Reveals her anxiety and distraction._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-91-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters