Tuesday 3 October 2023

PAMELA : VIRTUE REWARDED (Th)

                                        

 

Hello everyone I'm writing my blog on PAMELA : VIRTUE REWARDED ; task given by Vaidehi Hariyani Ma'am.


First let's discuss biography of Samuel Richardson,...


                


Samuel Richardson (born 19 August 1689 – 4 July 1761) was an English writer and printer best known for his 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 was a pioneer of the novel form, and his work has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers.

Richardson was born in Mackworth, Derbyshire, England, to a joiner. He was apprenticed to a printer at the age of 17, and eventually set up his own printing business in London. He was a successful businessman, and his printing business allowed him to pursue his writing interests.

Richardson began writing in his later years. His first novel, Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded, was published in 1740. The novel was a huge success, and it made Richardson famous. Pamela is an epistolary novel, meaning that it is told through a series of letters. The novel tells the story of Pamela Andrews, a poor servant girl who is seduced by her wealthy master, Mr. B. However, Pamela remains virtuous, and she eventually marries Mr. B.

Richardson's second novel, Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady, was published in 1748. Clarissa is a much darker novel than Pamela. It tells the story of Clarissa Harlowe, a young woman who is raped by her seducer, Robert Lovelace. Clarissa dies of a broken heart, and the novel is a powerful indictment of sexual violence.

Richardson's third and final novel, The History of Sir Charles Grandison, was published in 1753. Sir Charles Grandison is a more didactic novel than Richardson's previous two novels. It tells the story of Sir Charles Grandison, a perfect gentleman who is loved and admired by everyone. The novel is a meditation on Christian morality, and it is less popular than Richardson's other two novels.

Richardson's novels were highly influential in their time. They were praised for their realism, their psychological insights, and their moral lessons. Richardson's novels also helped to popularize the epistolary novel form.

Richardson's work has had a profound influence on subsequent generations of writers. His novels have been praised by such writers as Jane Austen, Charles Dickens, and Virginia Woolf. Richardson's work is still relevant today, and his novels continue to be studied and read by people all over the world.


Here are some of the key themes in Richardson's novels:

  • Virtue and morality: Richardson's novels are often concerned with the themes of virtue and morality. His novels often explore the challenges of remaining virtuous in a world that is often corrupt and immoral.
  • Social class: Richardson's novels also explore the theme of social class. His novels often feature characters from different social classes, and they examine the tensions and conflicts between these different social groups.
  • Gender roles: Richardson's novels also explore the theme of gender roles. His novels often feature complex and well-developed female characters, and they examine the challenges that women faced in 18th-century England.


Samuel Richardson was a pioneering novelist and printer who had a profound influence on the development of the novel. His epistolary novels, Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded, Clarissa: Or the History of a Young Lady, and The History of Sir Charles Grandison, are considered to be classics of English literature. Richardson's novels explore themes of love, virtue, morality, and class, which are all still relevant today.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT SAMUEL RICHARDSON


> Now let's discuss...


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


ANS.

Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded is an epistolary novel by Samuel Richardson, first published in 1740. It tells the story of Pamela Andrews, a young servant girl who resists the sexual advances of her master, Mr. B. Eventually, Mr. B. is reformed by Pamela's virtue and marries her, elevating her social status.

Pamela was a groundbreaking novel in its time, for its sympathetic portrayal of a working-class woman and its exploration of the issue of sexual assault. However, the novel has also been criticized for its conservative message about female submissiveness and its reinforcement of class barriers.

If Pamela were in contemporary times, would the story take any changes? It is difficult to say for certain, but it is likely that the story would be different in some respects.

One of the most significant changes would be in Pamela's social status. In the 18th century, Pamela was a servant girl, a member of the working class. However, in contemporary times, Pamela would likely be a middle-class woman with a good education and a job. This change in social status would give Pamela more power and agency in the story.

Another significant change would be in the way that Mr. B.'s sexual advances are treated. In the 18th century, Mr. B.'s behavior would have been considered acceptable by many people. However, in contemporary times, Mr. B.'s actions would be considered sexual harassment and assault. Pamela's resistance to Mr. B.'s advances would be more likely to be seen as justified and even heroic.

In addition to these major changes, there are a number of other ways in which the story of Pamela might be different in contemporary times. For example, Pamela might be more likely to have access to support resources such as legal aid and women's shelters. She might also be more likely to seek help from her friends and family.

Overall, it is likely that the story of Pamela would be different in contemporary times, reflecting the changes in society that have taken place since the 18th century. However, the core themes of the novel, such as the importance of virtue and the resistance to sexual violence, would still be relevant.


Here are some specific examples of how Pamela's story might change in contemporary times:


  • Pamela might be able to find support from other women who have been sexually harassed or assaulted.
  • Pamela might be able to take Mr. B. to court for sexual harassment or assault.
  • Pamela might be able to find a new job more easily, thanks to the internet and social media.
  • Pamela might be able to use her phone to record Mr. B.'s advances, or to call for help if he tries to assault her.

However, even in contemporary times, Pamela would still face challenges. For example:

  • Mr. B. might be able to use his wealth and social status to intimidate Pamela or to make it difficult for her to find a new job.
  • Pamela might be afraid of losing her job or being retaliated against if she reports Mr. B.'s behavior.
  • Pamela might feel guilty or ashamed for being sexually harassed or assaulted.

Despite these challenges, Pamela's story would likely be a more hopeful one in contemporary times. She would have more resources and support available to her, and she would be more likely to be able to hold Mr. B. accountable for his actions.

Ultimately, whether or not Pamela's story would change significantly in contemporary times depends on a number of factors, including the specific circumstances of her life and the support system she has in place. However, it is likely that she would have more power to resist Mr. B.'s advances and to fight for her rights than she did in the 18th century.

CLICK HERE FOR WONDERFUL INFORMATION ABOUT PAMELIST AND ANTIPAMELIST

THANK YOU FOR READING...
HAPPY LEARNING...EXPLORING..

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