Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 12: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, playfully teasing her about not being in love with Lovelace while also sharing intelligence from Mrs.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, playfully teasing her about not being in love with Lovelace while also sharing intelligence from Mrs. Fortescue about Lovelace's character. She describes him as industrious, secretive, and vain, with a talent for writing and shorthand. Anna warns Clarissa to be cautious, noting Lovelace's pride and questionable morals, and reports his impatience and resentment over the Harlowes' treatment of Clarissa.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Exposition.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
This is the story's dramatic climax because it marks the emotional and psychological peak where Clarissa, desp…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Anna warns that Lovelace's vanity and charm may mask deeper faults, and that his secretive writing habits suggest hidden motives.
- Friendship and Loyalty
Anna's letter demonstrates her loyal concern for Clarissa, offering both playful banter and serious counsel.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa with playful raillery and serious caution, sharing intelligence about Lovelace from Mrs. Fortescue.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of Anna's letter; praised for her noble conclusion and warned about Lovelace's character.
- Robert Lovelace
Discussed at length: described as industrious, secretive, vain, and morally questionable; visits Anna and expresses impatience and resentment.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Mentioned as setting spies on Lovelace and plotting against him.
Key passages
“Indeed you would not be in love with him for the world! —Your servant, my dear. Nor would I have you. For, I think, with all the advantages of person, fortune, and family, he is not by any means worthy of you.”
Anna teases Clarissa for claiming she is not in love with Lovelace, and agrees that he is unworthy of her despite his qualities.
Anna's playful yet serious opening sets the tone for her cautionary advice.
“He rests it seems not above six hours in the twenty-four—any more than you. He delights in writing.”
Mrs. Fortescue reports that Lovelace sleeps little and loves to write, much like Clarissa.
Highlights Lovelace's industrious nature and a shared trait with Clarissa.
“His vanity would be your clue. Never man had more: Yet, as Mrs. Fortescue observed, “never did man carry it off so happily.””
Anna suggests that Lovelace's vanity, though well-disguised, will reveal his true character to Clarissa.
Emphasizes the theme of appearance versus reality.
