Pamela MUST be read with an eye on the historical context of the novel. It has no appeal to the modern reader aside from the comical and farcical ways in which Pamela and her master dance around one another. The plot is paper thin yet the book is the size of Yellow Pages. What is Richardson trying to tell the readers? The answer is evident in the subtitle "Virtue Rewarded". Again, context and history is everything to this book. The character of Pamela infuriated me at times but in the end I just had to laugh. I'm inclined to think Richardson knew exactly what he was doing. ( )

An extremely important work in the development of the novel, but won't probably won't appeal much to the modern reader. Just a bit too much harping on "virtue" for my tastes, but definitely an influential and interesting read. ( )

The first time I read Pamela, I disliked it intensely. The second time I read it, I was able to focus less on the plot and more on everything else. I think if you go into it not expecting to like the protagonist or the main male character (I hesitate to call him a protagonist or hero as he's definitely not a good guy), then you can enjoy the rest.

I found myself thinking about the style, the voice, the period, and the fact that this book could be accepted in this period (though it was also satirized).

A good read if you're looking for something different, historical, and a bit slow/frustrating. Otherwise, I'd avoid both Pamela and Clarissa, and try The History of Miss Betsy Thoughtless by Eliza Haywood or Moll Flanders by Daniel Defoe for more engaging and less annoying/depressing stories about young women in the period. ( )

A pretty interesting glimpse into the standards and values of a certain time period. I was interested enough in the story to keep reading when I should have been eating, sleeping, or otherwise; but the moral it teaches and the "happy ending" are difficult to swallow as well. So again, an interesting look at a different culture than ours! ( )

Brandon Warburton
Book Review- Pamela
EDCI 4120/5120
Dr. Leslie Rush

Richardson, Samuel (2001). Pamela. Oxford, New York: Oxford University Press.

Grade Levels: 11-12
Category: Realistic Fiction

Read-Alouds: pp. 44-45 (one of Pamela’s letters to her mother.) pp. 233-24 (Mr. B becomes obsessed with Pamela’s letters.) 136-137 (Pamela reflects on Mr. B’s kind words.)

Summary: In order to provide for her family, the young and beautiful Pamela takes a job as a housekeeper for the wealthy Mr. B. Mr. B soon becomes obsessed with Pamela, but the morals she holds true to force her to resist Mr. B’s attempts at affection towards her. Eventually Pamela is forced to make a choice. Love Mr. B and keep providing for her family, or holding true to her morals and losing her chance at a better life.

Themes: The most prominent theme of Pamela is the idea of morality and how it factors into the young adult life. Pamela also takes a look at socio-economic status and the desire for all humans to strive for a better place in life.

Discussion Questions:

By the end of the novel, do you feel that Pamela has held true to her morals? If no, in what ways did she compromise them?
Take a close look at Pamela’s relationship with her parents. In what ways did her relationship with them impact her decisions during her time with Mr. B?
Pamela’s relationship with God is very important in determining her decisions. How does her relationship with God change by the end of the novel?

Reader Response: This is considered a “classic” novel which in many ways will make it very unapproachable for young adult readers, but nonetheless, the novel offers up some very interesting themes that would very applicable to classroom discussion. I see the idea of morals vs. sexual urges would be a great way to enticed students to read and engage with this book. I think young adults are always intrigued by sexual themes, and are always interested to explore it further because it is something that they are overcome with in their teen years.