Samuel Richardson writes in the Preface of Pamela; Or Virtue Rewarded that the novel’s main purpose lies in its ability “to give practical examples, worthy to be followed in the most critical and affecting cases, by the virgin, the bride, and the wife” (Richardson, 31). I would argue that underneath Richardson’s seemingly innocent novel of moral instruction lies a political instruction book for advancing the middle class. As a member of the middle class, Richardson wants to reduce the rights of the aristocracy and to advance the rights of the middle class. In order to advocate the promotion of the middle class, Richardson writes Pamela. In Pamela, Richardson portrays the middle class as pure virtue and the aristocracy as the epitome of amoral. Pamela, representing the middle class, proves through her virtue and mettle that she deserves the privileges of the upper class more than Mr. B., who only obtained the aristocratic rights through birth. Pamela instructs her readers on how to rise in social status by describing her perso
. . .
nal journey from servant to aristocrat. ” Critic Margaret Doody explains that the virtue “that is rewarded is in large measure the virtue of rebellion” (Doody, 9). B, “you have lessened the distance fortune has made between us, by demeaning yourself, to be so free to a poor servant girl. Pamela demeans the aristocrats and promotes the middle class by placing more value on her virtue than on his birth. Yet, sir, I will be so bold as to say, I am honest, though poor: And if you were a prince, I would not be otherwise than honest” (55). In order for the middle class to gain respect and position, Richardson shows that they must rebel against the social rules of the aristocracy. to see Pamela as an equal, which later enables him to justify his marriage to her, the poor servant-girl. , language proves the means for the middle class to gain the social and political rights they deserve. then asks, “Do you know whom you speak to?” (55).
Pamela’s elimination of class in her speech allows Mr. By rebelling against the aristocracy’s unrighteous behavior, Pamela gains the admiration of Mr.
Approximate Word count =
703
Approximate Pages =
3 (250 words per page double spaced)
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