Hailed as the world’s first novel, “Pamela: Or Virtue Rewarded” by Samuel Richardson is a gripping tale about a beautiful young maidservant in England during the middle of the 18th century. After her employer dies, the employer’s son begins making advances toward her. The virtuous girl tries to stave off his advances, but Mr. B’s desperation eventually causes him to kidnap her in a misguided attempt to try and make her understand how much he loves her. When he realizes that Pamela is truly a chaste and innocent girl, he begins to treat her in a new and more respectful manner. In return, Pamela forgives her oppressor and tries to show him how to lead a more virtuous life. Upon its original publication, “Pamela” shocked audiences with its lurid plot. Richardson used the shock value of Mr. B’s actions to call awareness to the hypocritical differences in expectations society placed on women and men in 18th century England. Also present in the novel are themes of virtuosity, morality, and class differences during the Georgian Era in which the novel is set. Whether one is reading “Pamela” for pure pleasure or as an in-depth look at the public climate of 18th century England, it will most assuredly not be a disappointment. This edition includes a biographical afterword.
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