# Letter 92: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa writes to Anna Howe in deep distress after eloping with Lovelace. She confesses her rashness and seeks forgiveness, asking Anna to suspend judgment until she can explain fully. She requests her linen parcel and expresses anguish over her family's likely reaction.

## Themes in this chapter

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa grapples with her decision to elope, feeling her virtue compromised and her agency questioned.

### Family Obligation and Rebellion

Clarissa's elopement represents a rebellion against family authority, and she fears her family's judgment.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Writes in anguish after eloping with Lovelace, confessing her rashness and seeking Anna's forgiveness.

### Anna Howe

The recipient of Clarissa's letter, asked to suspend censure and continue loving her.

### Mrs. Norton

Mentioned with concern as one who will be affected by Clarissa's actions.

## Key lines

> Your Clarissa Harlowe is gone off with a man!

Clarissa announces her elopement with Lovelace.

_Key moment of confession and shame._

> I did a rash and inexcusable thing in meeting him; and all his tenderness, all his vows, cannot pacify my inward reproaches on that account.

Clarissa admits that meeting Lovelace was a mistake and that his reassurances do not ease her guilt.

_Highlights Clarissa's remorse and internal conflict._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters/letter-92-miss-clarissa-harlowe-to-miss-howe
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/clarissa_se/chapters