# Letter 98: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained — Clarissa

> Chapter companion for Clarissa by Samuel Richardson.

## What happens

Clarissa recounts her forced elopement with Lovelace, describing the frantic journey to St. Alban's and her subsequent distress. She details her arrival at an inn, where Lovelace pretends to be her brother to explain her disheveled state. Clarissa reflects on Lovelace's triumphant demeanor, her own guilt and remorse, and her growing unease about his character. She also shares a conversation with Mrs. Greme about Lovelace's reputation and her current lodgings at Mrs. Sorlings' farm.

## Themes in this chapter

### Deception and Appearance vs. Reality

Lovelace's pretense as Clarissa's brother and Clarissa's forced complicity in the deception underscore the theme of false appearances.

### Female Agency and Virtue

Clarissa's loss of agency and her internal conflict over her virtue are central, as she laments her 'inconsiderateness' and the power Lovelace now holds over her.

### Power and Manipulation

Lovelace's manipulation of the situation and Clarissa's recognition of his triumph highlight the power dynamics at play.

## Character check-ins

### Clarissa Harlowe

Narrates her flight with Lovelace, expressing deep remorse and confusion about her actions.

### Robert Lovelace

Depicted as triumphantly orchestrating the elopement, pretending to be Clarissa's brother, and displaying excessive volubility.

### Anna Howe

Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa seeks her advice and reassurance.

### Mrs. Greme

Travels with Clarissa in the chaise and provides insights into Lovelace's character and family opinions.

### Mrs. Sorlings

Mistress of the farm where Clarissa lodges, described as honest and industrious.

## Key lines

> I thought I should have fainted several times by the way. With uplifted hands and eyes, God protect me! said I often to myself: Can it be I, that am here!

Clarissa nearly faints during the journey, repeatedly praying for protection and expressing disbelief at her situation.

_Highlights Clarissa's shock and distress during the elopement._

> How different, how inexpressibly different, the gay wretch; visibly triumphing (as I could not but construe his almost rapturous joy) in the success of his arts!

Clarissa contrasts her own misery with Lovelace's triumphant joy, interpreting his happiness as a sign of his successful manipulation.

_Emphasizes the power imbalance and Clarissa's awareness of Lovelace's deceit._

> True respect, true value, I think, lies not in words: words cannot express it: the silent awe, the humble, the doubting eye, and even the hesitating voice, better show it by much, than, as our beloved Shakespeare says, —The rattling tongue Of saucy and audacious eloquence.

Clarissa argues that genuine respect is shown through quiet humility rather than excessive flattery, quoting Shakespeare to critique Lovelace's verbose professions.

_Reflects Clarissa's skepticism of Lovelace's sincerity and her preference for modesty._

## Links

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