Trapped

In reading Pamela, (well, all 18th c. novels--so far, two in my repertoire) I have been struck by a constant tension that exists for the protagonist. In both Pamela and Robinson Crusoe, the title characters suffer from back and forth opposing expressions of imprisonment and rulership within their abodes. Crusoe, several times, called his island something to the effect of his 'kingdom,' but also recognized the limitations of the land mass, sometimes feeling confined. Pamela expresses similar feelings (on the bottom of page 349) "But, Oh! My Prison is become my Palace etc." I couldn't help but notice this connection-- as the plot of both novels center around the vascillation between feelings of freedom and feelings of entrapment. To me, this is reminiscent of the social mobility that exists within each work. Although both Crusoe and Pamela, at times, are made to feel trapped by their surroundings, to some degree, their surroundings are a result of their own choosing (Crusoe landed on the island as a result of his adventurous spirit, and Pamela is trapped by her master although in truth, she is able to pick herself up and leave at any time). But as a result of their entrapment, ultimately comes greater freedom--for Crusoe, he is able to quench his thirst for adventure, meanwhile, Pamela is ultimately able to use her virtue to marry into a greater class.

I keep trying to remove myself from the 21st century and place myself in the 18th century as I'm reading this novel. Of course, I haven't been very successful and that's why I'm struggling with this book. However, instead of venting my complaints, I feel like discussing some of the parts that I enjoy. I'm pleased with Pamela's social mobility, and I like the fact that she defends herself. She resists her master's advances until she is certain of his honor, and does not allow herself to be bullied by Lady Davers. When Lady Davers shows up unexpectly, and challenges Pamela's virtue, Pamela refuses to answer her questions. She is intelligent enough to recognize that Davers will not be satisfied until she admits that she is ruined, and that she is no longer virtuous.

Richardson has some powerful quotes throughout the novel which really express some of the shortcomings of his society. An example is on page 258 when she states that, "gentlefolks, that brag of their ancient Blood, would be glad to have it as wholsome, and as really untainted, as ours." Pamela proves this statement to be true by the fact that she does not allow herself to become ruined by her master. Although Pamela may not be a product of high society, she is nevertheless a lady.

Richardson’s Motives

While reading the first part of Pamela I can’t stop wondering about Richardson’s motives. I firmly believe that every aspect of the story as well as Pamela’s character all seek to point out what is moral and what is not. For example Mrs. Jewkes behavior in the carriage where she attempts to kiss Pamela is Richardson’s opportunity to say homosexuality is wrong. Most recognizably Mr. B. character is as an example of immorality. Mr. B serves as the character that can not withstand his desires making him evil, which is a warning to the public. Additionally, all the discussion and controversy about Pamela’s character is done purposefully by Richardson to depict that one may internally struggle, yet that she ultimately upholds her values is what is most important and makes her virtuous. In addition to this, because the low class was known to be lacking morals, by creating the virtuous character in a servant was a way for these lessons to reach every class. Had the heroine been someone of the higher class the book wouldn’t necessarily apply to the lower class as now it does, for the higher class is expected to contain all the positive values of the lower class and then some. Pamela ultimately is Richardson’s covert identity to express his views on morality to the masses.

Expectations vs. Reality

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."

Robinson Crusoe- The Incredible Man

I really enjoyed reading this book. I think that Robinson Crusoe is an incredible character who really shows us that life can really be an amazing adventure with unpredictable twists and turns. I am dismayed at all the obstacles that he encountered throughout his life. What amazes me is that there were so many times when I thought that it was all over for him and yet he managed to get himself out of every life-threatening situation. I am also shocked at the fact that he was able to make a fortune while living on a deserted island for 28 years! In my eyes, Crusoe is a remarkable man. Yuliya Korochik

Comment on Pamela

I know most of you probably won't agree with me, but I really like the book. I actually was really tempted to read ahead of the assigned reading, (which I hate doing since I have an awful memory) and I was only able to force myself not to, by starting another book (which wasn't good either...because I ended up reading that on Yom Kipper). I can actually understand why people wouldn't like the book, but I think because of my different background, the emphasis on her virtue/virginity really doesn't bother me. I had a similar education growing up, and I was told many of the same things (in regards to sex-ed I mean, I am Jewish not Protestant). I remember when I was in elementary school we were told a story about a bunch of young women who committed suicide in a cattle car to escape being raped. We were learning this story in reference to when it's appropriate to kill yourself al Kiddish Hashem which roughly means, to sanctify God. My teachers told this story as a lesson to us girls, and I remember actually thinking to myself, I hope I would be strong enough to do that, and really respected what they did. Granted, it was WWII, and those girls probably would have been killed anyway, but you're not allowed to kill yourself to just escape a more horrific death. But you can kill yourself in God's name, when you need to prevent yourself from committing atrocious sins against God's will...and a girl maintaining her virginity seems to fit that category. I guess I just wanted to kind of explain why I understand her...so when she says all those things about contemplating suicide and the like, and how maintaining her virtue is so important, I don't find it annoying, since I was taught the same thing.
Pamela to me is a fascinating character. With the first reading assignment I didn't think much about her pertness to Mr B. (although I did enjoy it), but after last lecture I've come to realize she really has a lot of courage and nerve. I remember ( from last semester) that when Jane Eyre said to Mrs Reed the infamous line "They're not fit to associate with me" that was a big deal, and Jane was their cousin and ward, not a lower class servant...Pamela's really crossing social bounds, it's pretty impressive. I also love comparing the letter that Mr. B told Pamela to write to Mrs. Jervis to what Pamela actually wrote. To me, it's Pamela's act of rebellion...she's forced to write the letter, so she'll write it under protest. Her changes are small...but they do present the letter in a completely different tone...like adding "I Have been vilely trick'd"... and how she adds at the end how she's forced to undergo this mistreatment only due to her poverty.
My last comment is in reference to the Mr. B and Pamela relationship. I kind of had a rough synopsis of the book before reading it, and I had been wondering how Pamela could ever contemplate liking Mr. B let alone marrying him. He's like the biggest scoundrel ever, he keeps trying to rape her and even kidnaps her..and then she would even think about marrying him. She may be worthy enough, but what about him? I actually told myself I would or could never forgive Mr. B...but then when I got to the end of today's reading, I was like...we'll he never would have raped her, and he really does love her...maybe they should get married. I know I'm disgustingly romantic, but come on...what double standards! It reminds me of the book Ruth by Elizabeth Gaskell. Ruth is similar to Pamela, she's good, beautiful and poor, but unfortunately she didn't receive Pamela's religious education...so she ended up becoming a mistress, and she then had a son. Afterwards, however, Ruth learns why what she did was wrong, and repents, and becomes a very virtuous person...and for many years she's able to pass as a widow, so she becomes very respected and admired in her new community. However, when they find out that she was never married...she's condemned by her wealthy patron, while he in turn supports her ex-lover for a position in parliament(although he doesn't know it's her ex-lover).To make a long story short, Ruth is finally deemed a good person after she sacrifices her own life to save her ex-lover's. Why is it that Ruth dies and her ex-lover does not? Why is she excommunicated, and he elected to parliament? To get back to Pamela, why do I forgive Mr. B, when I probably wouldn't be as forgiving to Pamela. I'm aware of my own double standards, but I'm trying to overcome them...because it's just not fair. Pamela shouldn't have had to struggle to protect her virginity, and then as a reward get to marry her oppressor. Forget about her reward, where's his punishment? Why doe he not have to be virtuous? It's very upsetting to me when I really think about it...Why didn't she marry Mr. Williams instead? I admit, I found Williams annoying as a character, but Richardson could have made him less annoying, and as a reward Pamela could have married him. (And then it would have been like a double stab to Mr B. after all didn't he predict their marriage in his letter to Pamela's father?) But instead of Pamela and Mr Williams being poor, a wealthy nobleman could have so much respected Mr. Williams action of protecting a virtuous spirit, that despite Mr. B's demotion of Mr Williams, this wealthy nobleman could have given them an extremely profitable position, and they could both rise virtuously together in the world. Meanwhile Mr. B can continue living a life full of vice and go heavily in debt due to his mistresses and gambling. Why does Mr. William, a person who protects virtue, become the one who's in debt? The outcome doesn't seem fair to me. I know I'm rambling, so I'll stop. Michelle

Oh, my pitiful state!

Imagine my Pain and Suffering whilst reading Pamela after a career spent copy editing and proofreading various books. I am overwhelmed by the Capitalization of Nouns, the italic names, and the seemingly endless sentences! (Worse than Henry James!!!). Punctuation and spelling may be attributed to printers' needs, but woe to the modern reader who must leave her familiar routines aside in pursuit of her Degree.