Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 188: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing her impatience and anger at Lovelace's proposals, which she finds lacking in warmth and earnestness.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa expressing her impatience and anger at Lovelace's proposals, which she finds lacking in warmth and earnestness. She criticizes Lovelace's character and suggests that Clarissa should either marry him quickly or find a way to escape. Anna offers to devise a scheme to secure Clarissa's safety until her cousin Morden arrives, while also acknowledging the difficulty of leaving Lovelace without cause to suspect his honor.
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
- Female Agency and Virtue
Anna advises Clarissa to take control of her situation by either marrying or escaping, emphasizing the struggle for autonomy.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Anna questions Lovelace's true intentions, noting the discrepancy between his proposals and his character.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Expresses frustration and anger at Lovelace's behavior, advises Clarissa on marriage or escape.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of Anna's letter; her situation and feelings are discussed.
- Robert Lovelace
Criticized for his proposals, lack of warmth, and suspected dishonorable intentions.
- Colonel Morden
Mentioned as the cousin whose arrival is awaited for Clarissa's safety.
Key passages
“Never in my life did I hear or read of so patient a man, with such a blessing in his reach.”
Anna marvels at Lovelace's lack of urgency in securing Clarissa, whom she considers a great prize.
Highlights Anna's frustration with Lovelace's delay.
“Either marry, my dear, or get from them all, and from him too.”
Anna urges Clarissa to choose between marrying Lovelace or leaving him and her family entirely.
Summarizes Anna's core advice to Clarissa.
