Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 351: Miss Howe, to Miss Arabella Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Arabella Harlowe to inform her that Clarissa is dangerously ill at a glover's and perfume shop in Covent Garden.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Arabella Harlowe to inform her that Clarissa is dangerously ill at a glover's and perfume shop in Covent Garden. She notes that Clarissa is unaware of the letter and that harsh words from her father have deeply affected her in her weakened state. Anna urges Arabella to act as a sister.
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 Rising action.
- 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
- Family Obligation and Rebellion
Anna Howe appeals to Arabella's familial duty to visit her sister, highlighting the tension between family obligation and the estrangement caused by Clarissa's rebellion.
- Suffering and Redemption
Clarissa's severe illness and distress from her father's curse underscore her suffering, with potential for redemption through family reconciliation.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Arabella Harlowe to inform her of Clarissa's critical condition.
- Arabella Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; urged to visit her ill sister.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Dangerously ill and unaware of the letter; distressed by her father's imprecation.
Key passages
“I cannot help acquainting you (however it may be received, coming from me ) that your poor sister is dangerously ill, at the house of one Smith, who keeps a glover’s and perfume shop, in King-street, Covent-garden.”
I feel compelled to inform you, even if you might not welcome news from me, that your sister is gravely ill at the home of a Mr. Smith, a glover and perfumer on King Street in Covent Garden.
Anna Howe conveys the urgency of Clarissa's condition despite potential hostility from Arabella.
“Some violent words, in the nature of an imprecation, from her father, afflict her greatly in her weak state.”
Her father's harsh, curse-like words have caused her great distress in her fragile condition.
Clarissa's suffering is compounded by her father's condemnation.
“I presume not to direct you what to do in this case. You are her sister. I therefore could not help writing to you, not only for her sake, but for your own.”
I do not presume to tell you what to do; you are her sister. I felt I had to write for her sake and for your own good.
Anna appeals to Arabella's sense of sisterly duty and self-interest.
