Lecture 6
Does Richardson live up to his bragging about Pamela?
oTruth ≠ letter form
oSince Pamela is writing after the fact, it’s still immediate and she just reports no time to
reflect upon it herself
Richardson claims that the letters are instructive
oPsalms “oh, they’re so true” comments of character
Like they’re trying to tell the audience
Mr. B thinks it’s a comedy (by Shakespeare’s definition)
oPamela thinks it’s a tragedy
The letter format gives an isolation can’t see other perspective
oThis is why Mr. B wants access to her letters when he gets them, things turn for the
better
Mr. B offers everything but marriage
After wedding
oPamela doesn’t have correct “exchange value” to be Mrs. B
Mr. B can’t impose a chastity he’s been with other others
oWe have to find a sort of virtue for him
Pamela virginity really does equal virtue
oMr. B can still be virtuous without being a virgin
How does Richardson do this?
Pamela’s preparation for high-life
Lady Davers appears around p. 300 references
oShe thinks it’s a sham marriage
Is she doing good? by stopping sham marriage
Or bad? by stopping proper marriage
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