LETTER 100 Commentary

This letter provides Miss Howe’s response to Clarissa’s latest news of Lovelace’s antics.  The fact that Clarissa was tricked into going away with an unmarried man is greatly damaging to her reputation, and Miss Howe tells Clarissa of her family’s continued disappointment and unhappiness with Clarissa’s actions.  However, Miss Howe proves to continue to be a loyal friend to Clarissa, breaking off her writings at any entrance of her mother for privacy and offering encouragement and support for Clarissa.  She tells Clarissa not to blame herself for being easily fooled in the beginning, but warns Clarissa of getting into further trouble with Lovelace.  An example of a true friend, Miss Howe is both worried about Clarissa and willing to support her in whatever way possible.-AD