Samuel Richardon's Pamela

 

1. What do you understand by the term Realism? Discuss the realistic elements present in the narrative of Richardson's Pamela-Virtue Rewarded.

-What is Realism?

Realism in literature is one of the styles of writing that presents life in true colors, without exaggerating or idealizing it. It puts forward common people, scenarios, and emotions in the actual and realistic manner. Not romanticizing life but shows both the good and bad, which makes characters and events seem real and not fictional.

-Realistic Elements in Richardson's Pamela

Pamela by Samuel Richardson is one of the earliest realistic novels. The novel is about a young servant girl, Pamela, who tries to protect her virtue against the advances of her wealthy employer, Mr. B. The novel has several realistic elements, including:

1. Everyday Life and Social Issues:

The novel revolves around the life of a servant, which was the most common social class at the time. It depicts the struggles and inequalities of the lower class and makes it relevant to readers.

2. Character development is detailed.

Pamela is depicted as a multidimensional and realistic character. Through letters and diary entries, readers are able to understand her thoughts, emotions, and fears in great detail. This makes her feel like a real person.

3. Moral Struggles and Virtue:

The novel stresses the ethical difficulties that Pamela undergoes to uphold her virtue. This internal conflict is very real because they express the kinds of struggles which people actually face when doing the right thing.

4. Dialogue and Language:

The novel's vocabulary and dialogues are simple and straightforward, as if people actually spoke in that period of time. It adds up to the realistic feel of the story.

5. Focus on Middle-Class Values:

The novel reflects the rising importance of middle-class values like hard work, honesty, and morality. These were relatable ideas for many readers at the time.

-Conclusion

In short, Richardson's Pamela is notable as a realistic novel since ordinary life, real emotions, and moral struggles are seen in the novel that the audience can relate to. These factors, such as social class, personal virtue, and original characters, make it a perfect example of realism in literature.

2. Comment on the use of letters as a medium of narrating the plot of the novel. Do you like reading an epistolary novel, or do you find yourself wishing you had a third person narrator to have clarity and objectivity in the narration?

- Letters in Pamela (Epistolary Novel Style)

In Pamela, letters are the dominant vehicle that Samuel Richardson employs in this novel. An epistolary novel, whereby people write letters or diaries to communicate, tells their story.

 

Why Letters Fit Pamela So Well 

1. Intimacy

Since Pamela writes about her feelings and experiences, we get to know her very well. It feels like she is talking directly to us, making the story more personal and emotional.

2. Real-Time Experience:

The letters give a sense of immediacy, as if the events are happening in real time. We experience Pamela's struggles and emotions as they unfold, which keeps the story engaging.

3. Authenticity:

The letters help to make the story sound so true and believable. The rich descriptions and emotions from Pamela make it easy for the mind to imagine what is going on.

Challenges in Reading Letters:

1. Lack of Clarity and Objectivity:

We cannot see the full picture because the letters are only written by Pamela. We don't know what other characters feel or think, so we might feel that the story is one-sided.

2. Bias in Narration:

Pamela's letters represent what she feels personally; in some cases, one does not know whether things occurred or were exaggerated completely. A third-person narrator can provide a more balanced account.

-Personal Preference

Whether or not an epistolary novel is to someone's taste depends on what they like. If they like being close to the character and enjoy personal stories, then they might enjoy Pamela. But if a person prefers a broader objective view of the story, then a third-person narrator may be better.

For me, I like the personal touch of the letters, but sometimes I wish for a third-person narrator to get more clarity on other characters and events.

3.Discuss the character portrayal of the servants of the B household apart from Pamela. [Include Mrs. Jervis, Mrs. Jewkes, and John]

Character Depiction of the Servants in Mr. B's Household (Except Pamela):

In Pamela, Samuel Richardson introduces various servants in Mr. B's household who contribute to the plot. Each servant has a distinct personality and attitude toward Pamela, which portrays the social situation of the time.

1. Mrs. Jervis:

Housekeeper and Pamela's friend.

Personality: Mrs. Jervis is kind, motherly, and caring. She looks after Pamela and tries to protect her at all times.

Relationship with Pamela: She treats Pamela like a daughter and tries to help her whenever possible. Mrs. Jervis's loyalty and compassion make her a positive figure in the novel.

Significance: Her character represents goodness and morality among the servants.

 

2. Mrs. Jewkes:

Role: Another housekeeper but on Mr. B's side.

Personality: Mrs. Jewkes is strict, harsh, and often cruel to Pamela. She follows Mr. B’s orders without question and even helps him in his schemes to trap Pamela.

Relationship with Pamela: She is Pamela’s main antagonist among the servants, making Pamela’s life difficult.

Significance: Mrs. Jewkes symbolizes the kind of servant who prioritizes duty over morals, highlighting the contrast between loyalty to one’s employer and personal ethics.

3. John (the Coachman):

-Role: A servant assisting Pamela.

Personality: John is helpful and kind. While working for Mr. B, he sympathizes with Pamela and, in secret, works with her to escape.

Relationship with Pamela: He becomes a silent partner of Pamela as she tries to convey to her parents.

-Importance: Small but significant contributions made by John prove that all the servants do not abide blindly by Mr. B as their master, exemplifying individual morality and strength in the face of injustice.

Each servant in Mr. B's household has a crucial role in the story. Mrs. Jervis represents kindness and support, Mrs. Jewkes represents obedience and cruelty, and John shows quiet bravery. Their interactions with Pamela highlight the social hierarchy and moral choices faced by servants in that era.