It seems there have been differing opinions toward "Pamela" in class, but so far I have really enjoyed the book. For me, "Pamela" and "Robinson Crusoe" are similar books in that they are at their best when the conflicts are more internal than external. It never ceases to amaze me how complex of a character Pamela is. This isn't to say I never feel ridiculous for how sexist or romantic the book can be, but the implicit issues always seem to outweigh the explicit clichés.
After the class discussion today and reading into the second section of the book, there is no doubt in my mind that Pamela's mind is convoluted with confusion for most of the first part of the book. Mr. B's attempts at her bring an unexpected circumstance into her life that morphs her and the surrounding environment into something entirely different. Pamela is on line A, but there is a disruption and she goes shooting out on line B instead. A is her envisioned path, while B is her new path in reality. This conflict between expectations and reality is one of the most amazing parts of the book, especially because everyone can relate to it. I would be shocked to find if there is anyone in our class who's life is the way they imagined it would be when they were fifteen. I know mine isn't. In fact, my reality vs. my envisioned path is different than it was a year ago.
Part of Pamela's confusion also comes from her unexpected feelings for Mr. B. There is no doubt in my mind she is attracted to him at the beginning of the novel. She even mentions he is handsome a few times. Due to her religious upbringing and her values it appears she does not know how to identify sexual feelings. This inability makes Mr. B even more of a threat to her because he has the ability to awaken something in her she doesn't know exists (and something she would be fearful of because it contradicts her dedication to her virginity). This is also one of the reasons she faints. Fainting prevents Pamela from being in a situation with Mr. B where she might actually want to have sex. This isn't to say, on a more conscious level she is afraid of being raped and ruined. I do believe she cares about her virginity.
Overall, I think this is a hyper intelligent book so far and the constant theme of doubt is one of the things that makes it so. Which reminds me of this quote, "The trouble with the world is that the stupid are cocksure and the intelligent are full of doubt."
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2 comments:
Pamela's mind is definitely convoluted, and I'm frustrated because of it. I agree with you when you say that the unexpected turn of events relating to Pamela is one of the most amazing parts of the book. The reason why I have a problem with the book relates to the fact that if she truly longed to protect her virtue, then she wouldn't have returned to her master. I feel like this decision goes against her best interest if remaining virtuous is her primary concern. She goes from being completely terrified of her master to trusting him completely. She even goes so far as to totally disregard the letter regarding the sham marriage. I just don't understand why she is suddenly able to have so much faith in an individual who has done her harm. Right now I'm at 374, and the marriage seems to be legitimate, but I'm still suspicious of the master. Why do you think she returned to her master?
Given, this is a piece of fiction, but Pamela holds many realistic attributes in my opinion. People are multidimensional. It is possible to consciously want conflicting things at the same time or to be confused. The other thing you have to remember is a person can have conscious desires and subconscious desires that clash with each other. I honestly believe Pamela consciously values her "virtue" more than anything else and the fact that she subconsciously wants Mr. B in a romantic or sexual way does not diminish that. I know my conscious and subconscious desires don't always line up. This doesn't make me an inconsistent person; it makes me human.
Also, throughout the book Pamela has never waivered from wanting to serve her master (as long he is honorable). Once Mr. B transforms, there is nothing stopping Pamela from wanting to serve him because her personal values and class values no longer conflict.
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