Previous
Letter 1
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’s father and mother (John and Elizabeth Andrews) write a reply to their daughter’s letter. They are sad to learn of Lady B’s death, and they worry that now Pamela might do something disreputable. In particular, they fear that now that because Mr. B has given Pamela so much money and praise, he might have some “design” on her.
Whereas Pamela’s previous letter was hopeful, her parents’ reply is much more cautious. This helps establish that perhaps Pamela is naïve, but it could also suggest that Pamela is able to see the best in people.
Themes
Literary Devices
Quiz
Test Yourself
In the letter, Pamela’s father describes going to the Widow Mumford to ask advice. Widow Mumford eases some of his concerns by suggesting that maybe Mr. B feels grateful to Pamela for taking care of Lady B during her illness. Still, Pamela’s father feels that Mr. B’s attention to Pamela earlier was excessive. Pamela’s parents end the letter saying that if Pamela really loves them, she will protect her “virtue” at all costs. Until they are sure Pamela will do so, they decide to keep the four guineas in a safe place instead of spending them.
This passage establishes some of the gender politics at play in the novel. While Pamela’s parents had no objection to an older woman showing an interest in Pamela, it’s a different story when a young man shows similar interest. On some level, Pamela’s parents seem to sense the power imbalance between men and women in their society, and so they worry more about what a male employer might do to Pamela—though they put the responsibility on Pamela to protect her “virtue.”
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
