Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 130: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa shares Mr.
What happens
Clarissa shares Mr. Doleman's letter detailing potential London lodgings, including a widow's house in Dover Street. She chooses those lodgings, discusses her travel plans, and notes Lovelace's considerate gestures, such as giving money for her servant Hannah and suggesting she bring an attendant.
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
Lovelace and Clarissa maintain the pretense of marriage to secure lodgings, as hinted in Doleman's letter.
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's considerate gestures may be part of his broader manipulative strategy to gain Clarissa's trust.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Writes to Anna Howe, sharing Mr. Doleman's letter and her decision on lodgings.
- Robert Lovelace
Brings Doleman's letter to Clarissa, gives money for Hannah, and suggests an attendant for the journey.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter; Clarissa encloses money for Hannah and asks for her perusal of Doleman's letter.
- Mr. Doleman
Writes to Lovelace with detailed descriptions of available London lodgings.
- Hannah Burton
Ill servant; Clarissa sends her five guineas from Lovelace.
Key passages
“Mr. Lovelace’s servant is already returned with an answer from his friend Mr. Doleman, who has taken pains in his inquiries, and is very particular.”
Lovelace's servant has returned with a detailed reply from Mr. Doleman about lodgings.
Clarissa reports the prompt response from Doleman.
“You will see by it, that his friends in town have a notion that we are actually married.”
The letter shows that Lovelace's acquaintances believe we are already married.
Clarissa notes the assumption of marriage in Doleman's letter.
“Mr. Lovelace has just now, of his own accord, given me five guineas for poor Hannah.”
Lovelace voluntarily gave Clarissa five guineas to send to her ill servant Hannah.
Clarissa appreciates Lovelace's generosity toward Hannah.
