Letter III details the ironic beginnings of the relationship between Clarissa and Lovelace, as she expresses her family’s influence in their exchange of letters. Whereas Clarissa is later forbidden to send or receive any letters from Lovelace, this letter reveals the encouragement she was given with regards to this correspondence. It is evident, however, that Clarissa’s best interest is not at hand, as her uncle Hervey outright admits that he is interested in Lovelace’s acquaintance because of his experience with the Grand Tour. In effect, Clarissa is sacrificed by her uncle, as she becomes deeper embedded in Lovelace’s thoughts with each letter that is exchanged, all so that he can use Lovelace for the information he has acquired through his travels.
Moreover, Letter III reveals Clarissa’s opinions regarding Lovelace’s character and presence in her life. It is evident that despite her family’s sentiments, Clarissa does not want any sort of a relationship with Lovelace, as she declares his temper to be “naturally haughty and violent,” much like her brother’s. For a young girl, Clarissa demonstrates a profound knowledge of what she does and does not want in a man and/or friend. Additionally, the reader may infer from the manner in which Clarissa speaks of Lovelace, that she does not want to be involved with any man, but rather values her individuality and his quite content with being alone. Letter III also provides readers with a foreshadowing of the future, as the Harlowe family encourages the skeptical, unwilling Clarissa to exchange letters with Lovelace, thereby starting a relationship between the two. This will undoubtedly, have negative repercussions for both Clarissa and the remainder of the Harlowe family, as Lovelace’s lack of a moral identity should serve as a signal that he is not an ideal match for the virtuous young Clarissa.