Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 162: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about an unsettling incident where Mrs.
What happens
Clarissa writes to Anna Howe about an unsettling incident where Mrs. Sinclair pressures her to share a bed with Miss Partington, a request Clarissa refuses due to suspicions about the household and its inhabitants. She reflects on her unease with Lovelace's associates and her growing distrust of her situation.
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
Clarissa suspects the request to share a bed may be a trap, highlighting the gap between polite appearances and potential foul play.
- Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa exercises her agency by refusing the request, prioritizing her safety and virtue over social niceties.
- Power and Manipulation
Mrs. Sinclair's persistent pressure and emotional appeals attempt to manipulate Clarissa into compliance.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates her refusal to share a bed with Miss Partington, expressing suspicion and discomfort with the household.
- Anna Howe
Recipient of Clarissa's letter, her confidante.
- Mrs. Sinclair
Pressures Clarissa to accommodate Miss Partington, leaving in displeasure after Clarissa's refusal.
- Robert Lovelace
Clarissa expresses displeasure with him and his companions, questioning his motives.
- Miss Partington
The young lady Mrs. Sinclair wants to share Clarissa's bed; described as less bashful than represented.
- Dorcas Wykes
Mentioned as a servant who might be put to share a bed with Miss Partington.
Key passages
“To deny, thought I, can carry only an appearance of singularity to people who already think me singular. To consent may possibly, if not probably, be attended with inconveniencies.”
Refusing will make me seem odd to those who already see me that way, but agreeing could lead to trouble.
Clarissa weighs social perception against potential risk.
“If just , I ought to apprehend everything, and fly the house and the man as I would an infection.”
If my suspicions are correct, I should fear everything and escape this house and Lovelace like a disease.
Clarissa considers the logical consequence of her distrust.
