Although it may be perceived as a love story to some, ultimately, Pamela is a novel about the disparity between the classes and the sexes. Richardson sets the stage from the onset, as the protagonist is a "lowly" maid sexually preyed upon by her antagonistical, upper class "master." Such is the notion of class ingrained in her, Pamela feels it her "duty" to stay and finish the master's coat in spite of her terror of him and the real threat of physical danger to her.
There is much to be said for the moral of the story, for Pamela remains steadfast in her virtuousness, piousness and prudence in spite of her entrapment in isolation from parents and friends (loss of her support system). Pamela bears much, and is made to feel more and more a prisoner. And as such, Mr. B.'s cruelty reaches a crescendo as he takes hold of Pamela's letters. This final, calculated volley against her invades the privacy of her mind, therefore, emotionally strips her bare. There is much indignity for Pamela in Mr. B.'s action. This is an attack of upper class upon lower and male upon female. It is the ultimate act of control. But Pamela as heroine is victorious at the end, with all of her convictions intact.
In opposition to what some may think( Pamela as conniving female with ulterior motive), she ceaselessly begs her captor/would-be-rapist to allow her to return to her parents. And she maintains her spritual fortitude throughout her trial with the recitation of neverending prayers majestic-like in sincere intent. She bravely attempts escape in spite of hallucinating from lack of food and sleep. And as victim to extreme emotional and psychological upheaval, the proof of the scope of her desperation moves her to ponder suicide. Her letters to her parents are gut-wrenchingly raw in her terror, yet moving in her piety. Pamela is honest at all times in her writing, especially when she admits that she has fallen in love with her tormentor.
Pamela may be the victim/underdog througout this tale, but in the end she triumphs. As she is married into the upper class, she now has the means to wholeheartedly act with beneficence and compassion to those in need. Therefore, this elevation in class does not serve her pride, but is instead a means to serve a purpose. And although she has been lifted up according to societal boundaries, Pamela the woman remains steady of her soul. And most importantly, through her true goodness, she has brought her societally upper class (but morally debased) husband to be elevated as well. His love for "lower class" Pamela brings him to know the worth of a truly good, selfless woman. And in this realization, his heart is raised to sympathetic and munificent heights of feeling toward his fellow man.
Subscribe to:
Post Comments (Atom)
2 comments:
Pamela'a story is a story that I find trouble with. I think that Richardson lays it on too thick with Pamela's Piousness, sense of duty to her tormentor, and her constent need for attention. I also have a major problem with Pamela's decision to return to Mr.B after he tries to, and sucessfully rapes her. And having her piousneess be rewarded with material goods and money. It make it sounds as if her virtuosness have a financial reward attached to it.
Jennie’s position supports what I attempted to say in my reading of Pamela. I found Pamela’s ability to withstand extraordinary external pressure inspiring. While I was troubled by Pamela’s decision to return to Mr. B initially, Richardson takes the time to lay out the parameters under which this union would be acceptable to Pamela. Mr. B is not only incredibly remorseful, but his words (and words are just words) are supported by his actions. I felt as though I traveled in Pamela’s mind with her as she struggles to determine Mr. B’s sincerity. Until the actual completion of the wedding, I still doubted the veracity of the union, even going so far as to wonder if the visiting gentry were not servants from another estate in disguise. Ultimately, Mr. B’s willingness to present Pamela in society and to Lady Davers, demanding that she receive the respect her new station requires, won me over to his genuineness. Mr. B has grown into a man of values and ethics.
Post a Comment