Pamela - Appunti

Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded is the first major novel by Samuel Richardson, first

published anonymously in 1740. Richardson is considered one of the fathers of the

modern novel and a precursor of sentimental fiction. He was born in 1689 in

Derbyshire, son of a carpenter and a mother of moderate social status. Initially

intended for the clergy, he began an apprenticeship as a printer at 17 and later

opened his own business in London. His works often combine letters and diary

entries with a moral and didactic purpose, teaching young people how to behave

virtuously.

The novel tells the story of Pamela, a young servant, who resists her master’s, Mr

B.’s, attempts to seduce her. Pamela is educated in writing, needlework, and

household management. After her mistress dies, Pamela worries about her future. Mr

B., attracted to her beauty and virtue, tries to control and seduce her, but Pamela

always resists, showing faith, patience, and devotion, typical Puritan virtues.

Pamela faces many challenges: she receives unwanted gifts, experiences

embarrassment, and is kidnapped to Lincolnshire, where Mrs Jewkes watches her.

She seeks help from the parson Mr Williams, who allows her to write to her family

and offers a way to escape. Pamela considers suicide but decides to trust Divine will

and endure her trials.

In the end, as the subtitle promises, virtue is rewarded: Pamela marries Mr B.

However, her challenges continue: she accepts Mr B.’s illegitimate daughter, Miss

Goodwin, and overcomes the opposition of his sister, Lady Davers, who initially

disapproves of the cross-class marriage. Eventually, Pamela secures her position and

respect.

The novel was immediately successful: it was read across England, translated into

French, German, and Italian, and inspired many sequels and imitations, such as

Pamela’s Conduct in High Life by John Kelly. It is not only entertainment but a

moral guide, showing how a young woman can protect her virtue while navigating

social and personal challenges.

In summary, Pamela is important because it combines:

• Moral instruction, showing faith, patience, and perseverance;

• Social reflection, highlighting a servant’s struggle for respect and autonomy;

• Epistolary form, exploring characters’ thoughts and feelings;

• Cultural influence, becoming a model for sentimental fiction and influencing

authors like Jane Austen and Frances Burney.

Pamela by Samuel Richardson – Summary and Key Points

Author and Context

• Samuel Richardson (1689–1761), born in Derbyshire, son of a carpenter and

a moderately well-off mother.

• Originally intended for clergy, but became a printer at 17 and later an author.

• Considered one of the fathers of the modern novel, especially for

sentimental fiction.

• His novels often use letters (epistolary form) to teach morality and proper

behavior, especially for women.

• Other major works: Clarissa (1747–1748) (tragic heroine, virtue rewarded in

heaven) and Sir Charles Grandison (1753–1754) (male virtue and duty).

Pamela: Background

• First published anonymously in 1740; multiple editions followed, with

illustrations by Highmore, Hayman, and Gravelot.

• Subtitled Virtue Rewarded, aiming to teach young women moral behavior

through an engaging story.

• Based on a real-life story of a servant resisting seduction.

Plot Summary

• Pamela is a young, virtuous maid whose mistress dies. She worries about her

future.

• Mr B., her master, tries to seduce her. Pamela resists all advances, showing

Puritan virtues like faith, devotion, and endurance.

• Pamela refuses gifts and remains modest, symbolizing her social status and

moral strength.

• Mr B. kidnaps her to Lincolnshire, watched by Mrs Jewkes. Pamela seeks

help from Mr Williams (a parson).

• Despite threats and confinement, Pamela remains virtuous and prays to Divine

will.

• Eventually, virtue is rewarded: Mr B. marries Pamela.

• She faces challenges after marriage, including accepting Mr B.’s illegitimate

child (Miss Goodwin) and opposition from his sister, Lady Davers, who is

ultimately convinced by Pamela.

Themes and Features

• Resistance of a virtuous servant to seduction.

• Epistolary form: letters and diary entries show psychological insight and

moral lessons.

• Social class and virtue: Pamela navigates cross-class relationships.

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