Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 93: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa in shock after learning of her elopement with Lovelace.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa in shock after learning of her elopement with Lovelace. She expresses astonishment that Clarissa changed her mind, blames her family for pushing her to it, and urgently advises her to marry Lovelace immediately if not already married. Anna also worries about how to break the news to her mother and notes that Clarissa's brother and sister will be triumphant.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa's elopement is seen as a violation of her virtue and reputation, yet Anna blames her family's coercion rather than Clarissa herself.
Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's rebellion against her family's wishes leads to her elopement, and Anna notes that her brother and sister have now achieved their ends.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes in shock and concern, urging Clarissa to marry Lovelace immediately to protect her reputation.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; has eloped with Lovelace, causing Anna's astonishment.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as having his ends achieved by Clarissa's elopement.
- Arabella Harlowe
Mentioned as having her ends achieved by Clarissa's elopement.
Key passages
“I write, because you enjoin me to do so. Love you still!—How can I help it, if I would?”
I am writing because you asked me to. I still love you—how could I stop, even if I wanted to?
Anna affirms her continued affection despite her shock.
“If you are not married by this time, be sure delay not the ceremony. Since things are as they are, I wish it were thought that you were privately married before you went away.”
If you aren't married yet, don't put off the ceremony. Given the situation, I wish people believed you were secretly married before you left.
Anna advises Clarissa to marry Lovelace immediately to salvage her reputation.