Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 66: Mr. Hickman, to Mrs. Howe explained
Mr.
What happens
Mr. Hickman writes to Mrs. Howe expressing his despair over Miss Howe's apparent scorn and his decision to discontinue his addresses, despite his deep love and Mrs. Howe's approval. He reflects on the impossibility of forcing affection and wishes for Miss Howe's future happiness.
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
Miss Howe's rejection of Mr. Hickman underscores her autonomy in matters of love, despite her mother's approval.
- Class and Social Reputation
Mr. Hickman's concern with being treated with scorn and the social implications of his unrequited love reflect the importance of reputation in courtship.
Characters to notice
- Mr. Hickman
Writes a heartfelt letter to Mrs. Howe, expressing his grief and decision to cease his courtship of Miss Howe due to her evident disdain.
- Mrs. Howe
Recipient of the letter; Mr. Hickman addresses her with respect and gratitude for her support.
- Anna Howe
Miss Howe is the object of Mr. Hickman's affections; her scornful treatment leads him to abandon his suit.
- Clarissa Harlowe
Mentioned as the 'truly-admirable Miss Clarissa Harlowe' and cited for her observation that love is not a voluntary passion.
- Mr. Solmes
Referenced as a comparison: Mr. Hickman notes he could not continue his addresses in the face of distaste, unlike Solmes with Clarissa.
Key passages
“It is with infinite regret that I think myself obliged, by pen and ink, to repeat my apprehension, that it is impossible for me ever to obtain a share in the affections of your beloved daughter.”
I am very sorry to have to write again that I fear I can never win your daughter's love.
Mr. Hickman opens his letter with a formal expression of regret and hopelessness.
“Will not every act of obligingness from such a one, be construed as an unmanly tameness of spirit, and entitle him the more to her disdain?”
Won't any kindness from a despised suitor be seen as weakness and increase her contempt?
Mr. Hickman worries that his efforts to please would only worsen Miss Howe's scorn.
“since, as I have heard it justly observed by the excellent Miss Clarissa Harlowe, that love is not a voluntary passion”
As the admirable Miss Clarissa Harlowe rightly said, love cannot be forced.
Mr. Hickman cites Clarissa's wisdom to justify his decision to withdraw.
