Samuel Richardson’s "Pamela": Glaring Example of Epistolary Novel

Samuel Richardson is the father of the first modern English novel. And his Pamela or Virtue Rewarded (1740) is the first regular novel in the literature. It is the first novel in which character is more important than situation. Again Richardson’s Pamela is a glaring example of epistolary novel, a novel based on a series of exchanging letters by way of unfolding the plot of the novel and the psychology of the protagonists. The novel describes Pamela’s experience as a maid servant, how she resists the immoral advances of his master’s son against all treats and temptations, till in the end when he wins her heart by being reformed and marries her. The novel was written as a series of letters exchanged by the characters. 

Published in 1740, it unfolds through a series of letters written by the protagonist, Pamela, to her parents and friends. The novel showcases the power of the epistolary form, as it immerses readers in Pamela's emotional journey and inner thoughts. Richardson expertly employs this narrative technique to create a sense of immediacy and intimacy, allowing readers to experience the events through the eyes of the characters. Pamela not only demonstrates the effectiveness of the epistolary format but also paved the way for future authors to explore this captivating literary style.

 While the epistolary style employed in Samuel Richardson's  Pamela  has its merits, it has also received its fair share of criticism. But can a maid servant write these glaring letters? It sounds improbable. One critique is that the reliance on letters as the primary narrative device can limit the scope of storytelling. The format may restrict the author's ability to explore multiple perspectives or present a comprehensive view of events. Additionally, some argue that the epistolary style can feel contrived or artificial, as characters may conveniently document every detail in their letters, compromising the authenticity of their voices. Despite these criticisms, the epistolary style continues to be utilized in literature, albeit with varying degrees of success and innovation.

Here we can find a sample of her letter:

“Letter XXI Pamela writes to her parents about Mr. B., the master of the house and Mrs. Jervis , the housekeeper.

Now I will tell you what passed between Mrs Jervis and me. She hoped, she said, seeing me in a little hurry, on her coming in, that she was not unwelcome. She could not endure that I should be so much by myself.

'I always,' said I,' rejoice to see my dear Mrs Jervis.'

'I have had,’ said she, ‘a world of talk with my master about you.' 'I am sorry,' said I, 'that I am made of so much consequence as to be talked of by him.' 'O,' replied she, 'I must not tell you all; but you are of more consequence to him than you think for—'

'Or wish for,' said I; 'for the fruits of being of consequence to him, might be to make me of none to myself, or any body else.

'But I suppose,' proceeded I, 'that I am of so much consequence to him as to vex him, if it be but to think, he can't make a fool of such a one as I; and that is a rebuke to the pride of his high condition, which he did not expect, and knows not how to put up with.'

'There may be something in that,' said she; 'but indeed, Pamela, he is very angry with you too; and calls you perverse; wonders at his own folly for having taken so much notice of you! He was willing to shew you the more favour, he says, because of his mother's love for you, and recommendation; and he had thoughts of continuing it to you for your own sake, could you have known how to comport yourself as you ought to do. But he saw that too much notice—'

'Too much notice, indeed, Mrs Jervis,' said. I. 'Do you think I should ever have forgot my duty as a servant, if he had not forgot his as a master?’”

Here in this novel we find the plot simple and domestic but the analysis of motives and passions is no doubt subtle and superb. But the novel suffers a defect. From the point of letter-writing, Pamela’s letters would be a good stock for the country fellow which was the primary goal of writing Pamela, it is a super set. But improbability lies in the worthy letters. On the other land, the content in these novel centimes to be cheap and the moral continues to be more conventional and utilitarian than growing out of the realities of life.

Key Argumentative Questions

Question- 1. What is called epistolary novel & what are its shortcomings?

An epistolary novel is a literary genre that presents the story through a series of letters, diary entries, or other forms of written correspondence exchanged between characters. It is characterized by its unique narrative structure, where the plot unfolds through these written documents.

Shortcomings of the epistolary novel include:

👉Limited perspective: The narrative is confined to the viewpoints of the letter writers, which can result in a narrow or biased portrayal of events.

👉Lack of immediacy: The story is often told retrospectively, as the letters are written after the events have occurred. This can diminish the sense of suspense or urgency.

👉Incomplete information: The reader only receives the information that the characters choose to include in their letters, potentially leaving gaps in the narrative or important details unaddressed.

👉Unrealistic documentation: Characters may conveniently document every significant event or dialogue, straining believability and authenticity.

👉Monotonous style: The repetitive nature of letter writing can become monotonous or predictable, potentially affecting the pacing and engagement of the story.

👉Lack of visual description: As an epistolary novel relies solely on written correspondence, it may lack visual descriptions or vivid imagery that can enhance the reader's immersion in the story.

👉Limited character development: The primary focus on letter writing may limit the exploration of characters' internal thoughts, emotions, and growth compared to other narrative forms.

👉Despite these shortcomings, epistolary novels can offer unique insights into character psychology, intimacy, and interpersonal dynamics, making them a compelling and distinctive genre in literature.

2. Who wrote a novel in burlesquing Pamela and what is the name of the novel?

Henry Fielding wrote a novel called "An Apology for the Life of Mrs. Shamela Andrews" or simply "Shamela" in 1741, which is a burlesque or parody of Samuel Richardson's novel "Pamela."

Key details about "Shamela":

👉Author: Henry Fielding, a prominent English writer and playwright of the 18th century, known for his satirical and comedic works.

👉Publication: "Shamela" was published in 1741, a year after the release of Richardson's "Pamela."

👉Parody: "Shamela" satirically mocks the moralistic and sentimental themes present in "Pamela."

👉Characterization: Fielding parodies the virtuous Pamela by creating a character named Shamela, who is cunning, manipulative, and employs deceptive tactics to achieve her goals.

👉Plot: The novel parodies the plot of "Pamela," with Shamela feigning innocence and virtue to seduce her master, Mr. Booby, for material gain.

👉Tone and style: Fielding employs humor, irony, and exaggeration to ridicule Richardson's sentimental novel and its moralistic principles.

👉Critical reception: "Shamela" was controversial upon its release, but it gained popularity as a clever and witty response to "Pamela," showcasing Fielding's talent for satire.

👉"Shamela" stands as a notable example of parody in literature, using humor and subversion to critique the prevailing conventions of Richardson's time.

Ardhendu De

Ref:

1.  ALBERT. (2000). History of English Literature (Fifth Edition) [English]. OXFORD UNIVERSITY PRESS.  

2. English Literature by William J. Long. (n.d.). Project Gutenberg. http://www.gutenberg.org/ebooks/10609