Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 358: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing concern over her health and urging her to reconsider marrying Lovelace despite her aversion.
What happens
Anna Howe writes to Clarissa, expressing concern over her health and urging her to reconsider marrying Lovelace despite her aversion. She reports that Mr. Hickman has met with Lovelace and believes he is sincere in his desire to marry Clarissa. Anna also mentions her own family tensions and a forthcoming ball at Colonel Ambrose's, lamenting Clarissa's absence.
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
- Friendship and Loyalty
Anna Howe's deep concern for Clarissa's health and her persistent efforts to advise her, despite their physical separation, highlight the theme of unwavering friendship.
- Family Obligation and Rebellion
Anna describes her own tensions with her mother and the pressure to attend a social event she dislikes, mirroring Clarissa's struggles with familial expectations.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa, urging her to reconsider marriage to Lovelace and sharing news of her own family dynamics.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; Anna expresses concern over her health and implores her to think carefully about her decision.
- Robert Lovelace
Discussed as a potential husband; Anna reports that Mr. Hickman believes he is sincerely determined to marry Clarissa.
- Mr. Hickman
Had a conference with Lovelace and reports his belief in Lovelace's sincerity; may visit Clarissa privately.
- Mrs. Howe
Anna's mother, who shares her opinion on the marriage and pressures Anna to attend Colonel Ambrose's ball.
Key passages
“I will be ill, I will be very ill, if I cannot hear you are better before I go.”
I will become very distressed if I don't receive news that you are improving before I depart.
Anna expresses her deep emotional dependence on Clarissa's well-being.
“He is a man of sense; and it is not impossible but he may make you a good husband, and in time may become no bad man.”
He is intelligent, and it is possible that he could become a good husband and eventually reform his character.
Anna argues for the possibility of Lovelace's redemption, urging Clarissa to reconsider.
“One hour of your company, my ever instructive friend, (I thirst for it!) how infinitely preferable would it be to me to all the diversions and amusements with which our sex are generally most delighted.”
I would much rather spend an hour with you, my wise friend, than enjoy any of the entertainments that most women find pleasurable.
Anna contrasts the superficial pleasures of society with the profound value of Clarissa's companionship.
