Commentary – Letter 8

Solmes is chosen by her brother as seen in Letter 7.  Solmes visits the house frequently and Clarissa sees him only because of her obligation.  He has impressed her family much more than he has impressed her.  Even with her refusals to see him, her family continues to encourage him in his pursuit.  In her letter, she acknowledges that Miss Howe has a better temperament and will for the situation.  Clarissa wishes she could behave as she knows her friend would.

Clarissa’s family believes that she is corresponding to Lovelace through letters.  They forbid her to send or receive letters to anyone including Miss Howe.  At this point her family believes that Miss Howe may be a coconspirator against them.  However, Clarissa does not comply.  This is the first instance that she directly disregards her family’s orders.  She continues to write to her dear friend.  She is deeply hurt and angered with the way her family continues to treat her.  But her love and duty to them prevent her from even writing any thing truly horrible about them.  She wants to express them to Miss Howe, yet she knows it would be wrong.  She forces herself to put down her pen.-LT