Pamela

This blog is part of thinking activity. 

- Assigned by vaidehi ma'am.

∆ Samuel Richardson :-

Samuel Richardson ( 19 August 1689 – 4 July 1761) was an English writer and printer known for three epistolary novels: Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded (1740), Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady (1748) and The History of Sir Charles Grandison (1753). He printed almost 500 works, including journals and magazines, working periodically with the London bookseller Andrew Millar.Richardson had been apprenticed to a printer, whose daughter he eventually married. He lost her along with their six children, but remarried and had six more children, of whom four daughters reached adulthood, leaving no male heirs to continue the print shop. As it ran down, he wrote his first novel at the age of 51 and joined the admired writers of his day. Leading acquaintances included Samuel Johnson and Sarah Fielding, the physician and Behmenist George Cheyne, and the theologian and writer William Law, whose books he printed. At Law's request, Richardson printed some poems by John Byrom. In literature, he rivalled Henry Fielding; the two responded to each other's literary styles.

∆ some basic information about the novel Pamela :-

Author :- Samuel Richardson

Subtitle :- Virtue Rewarded

Genre :- Epistolary novel

published :- 1740 

Considered :- one of the first true English novels

∆ Novel summary :-

Pamela Andrews, a virtuous and beautiful maidservant, works for Lady B., a wealthy and aristocratic woman. After Lady B.'s death, Pamela faces a series of challenges and dangers when her new employer, Mr. B., a wealthy landowner, starts making inappropriate advances towards her.

Mr. B. attempts to seduce Pamela, but she resists his advances and maintains her virtue. The novel is presented in the form of Pamela's letters and journal entries, where she documents her trials and tribulations.

Mr. B. becomes increasingly obsessed with Pamela and tries various tactics to win her over, including isolating her from her family, offering her gifts, and even attempting to force himself upon her. Throughout these trials, Pamela's virtue and integrity remain steadfast.

Eventually, Mr. B. undergoes a transformation and genuinely falls in love with Pamela. He proposes marriage to her, and she eventually accepts, leading to a happy ending where Pamela's virtue is rewarded, and she rises in social status.

"Pamela" is considered one of the earliest novels in English literature and is significant for its exploration of the role of women, social class, and morality in society. It's also known for its influence on the development of the novel as a literary form.

-  Now thinking and writing novel Pamela was in contemporary time :-

 

🌺 If Pamela was in the contemporary time, will the story take any changes?

Ans.

Yes, if Pamela were in the contemporary time, the story would likely take some changes. :-

1) In contemporary time, Women have more rights and opportunities today, and there is a greater awareness of sexual harassment and assault. This would likely affect Pamela's story in several ways.

2) In contemporary time,Pamela would likely be more assertive and independent. She would have more knowledge of her rights, and she would be more likely to stand up to Mr. B.

3) In contemporary time, Pamela could use her social media platform to raise awareness of sexual assault and other important issues. She could also use her social media platform to challenge traditional gender roles and promote female empowerment.

4) In contemporary time, If Pamela field a case against Mr.B ,Mr. B is eventually convicted of sexual harassment and is sentenced to prison. Pamela's victory inspires other women to come forward and report their own experiences of sexual harassment and assault.

5) In the contemporary time, Pamela would have access to a variety of communication tools, such as email, text messaging, and social media. This would make it more difficult for Mr. B to isolate her and control her.

• Overall, Pamela's story would likely be more empowering and feminist if it were set in the contemporary time.

∆ Here are some specific examples of how the story might change:

• She might be able to record his advances on her phone and use the evidence to get him arrested.

• She might be able to get a lawyer to help her fight for her rights.

• She might be able to find a safe place to stay away from Mr. B.

In the end,the story of Pamela would still be relevant in the contemporary time. However, Pamela would have more resources and support available to her in the contemporary world, and she would be more likely to be able to stand up to her abuser.

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