Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 186: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa receives Lovelace's formal marriage proposals, which include generous financial settlements and jointure terms, but she is dissatisfied with the cold and conditional conclusion that implies the next move is entirely hers.
What happens
Clarissa receives Lovelace's formal marriage proposals, which include generous financial settlements and jointure terms, but she is dissatisfied with the cold and conditional conclusion that implies the next move is entirely hers. She reflects on the loss of delicacy and the burden of blame placed upon her.
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
- Power and Manipulation
Lovelace's proposals appear generous but are framed to place the onus on Clarissa, manipulating her into compliance while maintaining his own control.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
The contrast between Lovelace's seemingly fair terms and his cold, conditional conclusion highlights the gap between appearance and true intent.
- Female Agency and Virtue
Clarissa struggles to assert her agency and preserve her virtue while being pressured to accept terms that compromise her delicacy.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Receives and analyzes Lovelace's proposals, feeling blamed and pressured to sacrifice her delicacy.
- Robert Lovelace
Sends written proposals offering jointure and financial terms, but concludes coldly that 'all the rest depends upon yourself.'
- Anna Howe
Clarissa addresses the letter to her and considers sharing Lovelace's proposals with her for advice.
- Dorcas Wykes
Delivers Lovelace's proposals to Clarissa.
Key passages
“You will now, dearest Madam, judge, how far all the rest depends upon yourself.”
Lovelace concludes his proposals by implying that the next step is entirely Clarissa's responsibility.
Clarissa finds this conclusion cold and manipulative, as it shifts the burden of action onto her.
“All delicacy it seems is to be at an end with me!”
Clarissa laments that her refined sensibilities are being disregarded.
Reflects her distress over the loss of personal dignity and the social expectations placed upon her.
