Richardson’s Pamela: Predicaments to Handle in Pamela’s Marriage

Abstract

In this presentation, I will tackle some social elements that we can learn from Richardson’s Pamela. Well, many things in this masterpiece are promising that Pamela and Mr. B—’s marriage will be successful; e.g. the change of Mr. B—’s behavior towards Pamela. Yet, we have to consider the social backgrounds of this couple, the marriage across class-line and age-line, as well as Mr. B—’s jealousy. Indeed, both Pamela and Mr. B— have many good virtues that will enable them to have a happy marriage life. At the same time, we shouldn’t ignore those enigmatic barriers that they have to handle and be aware of. These obstacles will be of different natures; social, educational, psychological, etc. These barriers may take place in any marriage case; hence I will tackle these barriers as presented in the novel, hoping that this way will shed light on lessons readers may extract from Pamela.