Language In Clarissa, Evelina And Pride And Prejudice

made her the public care, should engage everyone's
attention" (L1 39).
Clarissaf s inheritance restricts any filial
imperative she may feel toward the "raising" of her
family. One cannot discount her power even after she
gives managerial dispensation for the dairy house to her
father. Her brother's intuitive knowledge of her power
contributes to his usurpation of his father's voice and
power over the family. Letter 24 is an excellent example
of how James gains control. In the letter, Clarissa
reproduces for Anna a letter from James. It begins, "By
your papa's and mama's command . . ." and ends ominously
with, "If anything I have written appears severe or
harsh, it is still in your power (but perhaps will not
always be so) to remedy it . . ." (L24.1 120-121) . James
attributes the restrictions spelled out for Clarissa in
this letter to his mother and father, but Clarissa is
quick to answer James, acknowledging his orders, his
power (L 24.2 121) . Three letters later, Anna Howe also
recognizes James's authority: "Your insolent brother,
what has - he to do to control you" (L27 129). When James
Harlowe, Sr., loses his parental voice and his
patriarchal authority to this son, Clarissa must make her
stand. Not only has the man who should have the guidance