Clarissa · Chapter
Letter 78: Miss Clarissa Harlowe, to Miss Howe explained
Clarissa describes a tense confrontation with her family and Mr.
What happens
Clarissa describes a tense confrontation with her family and Mr. Solmes, who is presented as a suitor. She resists their pressure, defends her principles, and argues against Solmes's character while hinting at her preference for Lovelace. The chapter highlights her isolation and the family's coercive tactics.
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
Clarissa asserts her right to refuse Solmes and defends her moral principles against family coercion.
- Family Obligation and Rebellion
Clarissa's defiance of her family's wishes highlights the conflict between duty and personal autonomy.
- Deception and Appearance vs. Reality
Solmes's fine appearance contrasts with his true character, and Clarissa exposes the family's manipulative tactics.
Characters to notice
- Clarissa Harlowe
Narrates the confrontation, defends her virtue, and resists family pressure to accept Solmes.
- Mr. Solmes
Presented as a suitor; awkward and persistent, despite Clarissa's clear rejection.
- James Harlowe Jr.
Aggressively supports Solmes and berates Clarissa, showing his manipulative and controlling nature.
- Arabella Harlowe
Sides with James, taunts Clarissa, and participates in the family's pressure tactics.
- Antony Harlowe
Uncle who scolds Clarissa and defends the family's position against her.
- Dolly Hervey
Cousin who shows sympathy for Clarissa, weeping at her distress.
Key passages
“Well, my dear, I am alive, and here! but how long I shall be either here, or alive, I cannot say.”
Clarissa announces she is still alive and present, but uncertain of her future safety or survival.
Opening line expressing her precarious state.
“Cowardice in a foe begets courage in one's self—I see that plainly now—yet perhaps, at bottom, the new-made bravo is a greater coward than the other.”
Clarissa observes that her opponent's fear emboldens her, though she suspects the bravado may hide deeper cowardice.
Reflection on power dynamics during confrontation.
“I love a virtuous character, as much in man as in woman. I think it is requisite, and as meritorious, in the one as in the other.”
Clarissa values virtue equally in men and women, asserting it as essential for both genders.
Clarissa's defense of moral standards.
