Interactive literature

Text and Questions

Pamela by Samuel Richardson

Here we see a part of the novel where Mr. B tries to seduce poor Pamela by hiding in her closet and waiting for her to go to bed.The scene might seem comical to you now but remember the horrible consequences of being a pregnant maid.

                                Letter XXV

0 let me, my dear parents, take up my complaint, and say, Never was a poor creature so barbarously used, as your Pamela! Indeed, my dear father and mother, my heart is just broken!  I can neither write as I should do, nor let it alone; for to whom but you can I vent my grieves, and keep my heart from bursting! Wicked, wicked man! I have no patience when I think of him! But yet, don't be freighted-for-I hope-I am honest! But if my head and heart will let me, you shall hear all.

John went your way in the morning; but I have been too much distracted to send by him; and indeed I hate now to see any body. Strange things I have to tell you, that happened since last night, that good Mr. Jonathan's letter, and my master's harshness, put me in such a state. But I will keep you no longer in suspense.

I went to Mrs Jervis's chamber; and there my wicked master had himself (base gentleman as he is), in her closet, where she has a few books, chest of drawers, and such like. Ever since the summerhouse affair, till this sad night, (when I neglected my caution), I always used to look into that closet, and another in the room, and another under the bed; and indeed, being displeased with Mrs Jervis for what had happened in the day, thought of nothing else but being angry with her .

I sat on the bed and Mrs Jervis on the other side. I pulled off al my clothes to an under petticoat; and then hearing a rustling again in the closet, I said, "Heaven, protect us! But I must look into this closet, before I come to bed" And so was going to it slip-shoed when O dreadful! Out rushed my master, in a rich silk morning gown. I screamed and ran to the bed; and Mrs Jervis screamed too; and he said, "I'll do you no harm, if you forbear this noise; but otherwise take the consequence."

Instantly he came to the bed-side (for I had crept into it, to Mrs Jervis with my coat on, and my shoes ); and taking me in his arms, said "Mrs Jervis, rise, and just step up the stairs, to keep the maids from coming down at this noise: I'll do no harm to this rebel" "0' for heaven's sake! For pity's sake! Mrs Jervis," said I " Do not leave me" "No" she said " I will not stir"

He was in a rage and threatened to throw her out of the window; and to turn her out of the house the next morning. I sighed, I screamed and the faded away.

Questions on the author's life:

1) How did the writer come into contact with books and writing?

2) What were his books famous for? Can you explain that by looking at the dominant ideas of the eighteenth century? 

Questions on the text:

1) What rights and chances does Pamela have when she gives in to Mr. B and gets pregnant? Explain your answer.

2) Is Mr. B an evil man or not? Explain your answer.

3) What do you have to do to reach true love according to Richardson?

4) How is the class system in England shown in this part? Reader Response

5) Are these kind of things (bad behaviour to servants) a thing of the past or can we still see them today? Show me where you found your answer (sites, books etc)

mail answers to:mischti@hotmail.com