Themes
Key
LitCharts assigns a color and icon to each theme in Pamela, which you can use to track the themes throughout the work.
The Value of Virtue
Class and Morality
Religion and Marriage
Sexual Politics
Summary
Analysis
Pamela writes to her father and mother that her heart is broken. She tells of how one time when she went to Mrs. Jervis’s chamber, Mr. B was hiding in Mrs. Jervis’s closet. Since then, Pamela has always been careful to check in closets and under beds. While in the closet, Mr. B heard Pamela scold Mrs. Jervis for tricking her into seeing Mr. B. All of a sudden, Pamela though she heard a noise from the closet and opened it to find Mr. B, scaring him, herself, and Mrs. Jervis all at once.
Mr. B continues to sow paranoia in Pamela’s mind by emphasizing how he could be watching her no matter where she goes or what she does. Mrs. Jervis’s seeming complicity in the matter only heightens Pamela’s paranoia and leaves her feeling isolated and with no allies around that she can truly trust.
Themes
Quiz
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Pamela continues her letter: Mrs. Jervis threatened that she would do whatever it took to keep Pamela safe from Mr. B. In reply, Mr. B threatened to throw her out a window. He got angry and put his hand on Pamela’s bosom, causing Pamela to faint. Mrs. Jervis shrieked, thinking Pamela was dead. Later, when Pamela was recovering in bed with Mr. B gone and Mrs. Jervis taking care of her. Pamela shudders to think what would’ve happened if Mrs. Jervis had left Mr. B alone with her.
Although Mrs. Jervis defended Mr. B’s character earlier, Mr. B can’t stop himself from going too far while she is here to witness his poor behavior. Pamela’s fainting during stressful moments is a recurring event throughout the book. Women fainting during stress was a common stereotype during this time period, and in Pamela’s case, it also represents how Mr. B’s behavior prevents her from controlling her own body.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
