Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 48: Miss Howe, to Miss Clarissa Harlowe explained
Miss Howe relays to Clarissa the results of Mr.
What happens
Miss Howe relays to Clarissa the results of Mr. Hickman's inquiries into Lovelace's reputation in London. Hickman encountered Lovelace's associates Belton and Mowbray, who praised Lovelace's qualities but said nothing of his morals. Miss Howe reflects on Hickman's discomfort with their free speech and recalls a lesson she once gave him about standing up for virtue. She concludes that while Lovelace may be capable of reformation, he still does not deserve Clarissa.
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
- Friendship and Loyalty
Miss Howe's protective concern for Clarissa motivates her to investigate Lovelace's character.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Lovelace is praised as a fine gentleman by his friends, yet his morals are absent from their commendations.
- Libertinism and Morality
The conversation at the Cocoa-tree highlights the contrast between libertine values and virtuous conduct.
Characters to notice
- Anna Howe
Writes to Clarissa with news of Lovelace's reputation; reflects on Hickman's behavior and recalls her own moral teachings.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Recipient of the letter; her character and virtue are contrasted with Lovelace's associates.
- Robert Lovelace
Subject of inquiry; praised by his friends for bravery and charm but not for morals.
- Mr. Hickman
Conducted the inquiry in London; reported on Lovelace's associates and their conversation.
- Thomas Belton
One of Lovelace's intimates encountered at the Cocoa-tree; spoke freely of Lovelace.
- Richard Mowbray
Another of Lovelace's intimates; joined Belton in praising Lovelace.
Key passages
“Mr. Hickman said, that Mr. Lovelace was very happy, as he understood, in the esteem of the ladies; and smiling, to make them believe he did not think amiss of it, that he pushed his good fortune as far as it would go.”
Hickman hinted that Lovelace was successful with women and took full advantage of it.
Miss Howe reports Hickman's tactful probing of Lovelace's reputation.
“That vice was a coward, and would hide its head, when opposed by such a virtue as had presence of mind, and a full persuasion of its own rectitude to support it.”
Vice retreats when confronted by confident and self-assured virtue.
Miss Howe recalls a moral lesson she once gave Hickman, attributed to Dr. Lewen.
