Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 94: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Miss Howe, expressing deep self-reproach and fear of social condemnation.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Miss Howe, expressing deep self-reproach and fear of social condemnation. She recounts her internal debate about whether to elope with Lovelace, her attempts to rationalize staying, and the tense confrontation in which Lovelace pressures her to flee, warning of the imminent threat of forced marriage to Solmes. Despite her resistance, she is ultimately drawn into a compromising situation.
Themes in this chapter
Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her own will against family coercion and Lovelace's persuasion, while maintaining her moral integrity.
Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Clarissa suspects her family's threats are a ruse to push her into desperation, and Lovelace's promises may hide ulterior motives.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Miss Howe with self-accusation, recounts her struggle against Lovelace's persuasion and her fear of family's plot.
- Robert Lovelace
Urges Clarissa to elope, uses emotional appeals and threats of violence, but ultimately respects her decision to return.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa thanks her for condescension and worries about her mother's opinion.
- Mr. Solmes
Mentioned as the suitor Clarissa is being forced to marry; Lovelace warns of imminent wedding.
- Dr. Lewen
Mentioned as a potential arbiter for Clarissa's scruples of conscience regarding prior obligation to Lovelace.
Key passages
“Self accusation shall flow in every line of my narrative where I think I am justly censurable.”
I will blame myself in every part of my story where I believe I deserve criticism.
Clarissa's determination to be honest about her faults.
“I can choose whether I will or will not put my hand to them; hard as it will be to refuse if my father and mother propose, if I made compulsion necessary, to go to my uncle's themselves in order to be out of the way of my appeals?”
I still have the power to refuse signing the settlements, even though it will be difficult if my parents force the issue by leaving to avoid my pleas.
Clarissa's reasoning that she can resist the forced marriage.
“Fly with me, then, I beseech you, my dearest creature! Trust your persecuted adorer.”
Run away with me now, I beg you, my dearest! Trust me, your persecuted lover.
Lovelace's urgent plea for Clarissa to elope.
“I am convinced, that Wednesday next (if I had time I would give you my reasons) is not intended to be the day we had both so much dreaded.”
I believe that next Wednesday is not actually the day we feared it would be, and I could explain why if I had time.
Clarissa's attempt to calm Lovelace's fears about the wedding.
“You never, never can have such another opportunity.”
You will never again have a chance like this one.
Lovelace's argument that this is the only moment to escape.