Pamela

Content warning: These Chapter Summaries and Analyses include references to attempted rape, sexual harassment, and thoughts of death by suicide.

Pamela Andrews, a young girl employed as a servant, writes to her parents with news that the woman she works for, Lady B, has died. Pamela is sad because Lady B. was kind to her; she is also worried about what will happen to her job, fearing that she might become “a burden to my dear parents” (43). However, Lady B urged her son, Mr. B, to be kind to Pamela, and he promised that he would be. After his mother’s death, Mr. B gives Pamela some money, which is notable because she has never received cash wages before. She sends this money to her parents along with the letter.

After she writes the first part of the letter, Mr. B. enters the room, causing Pamela to hide the letter in her bosom. Clearly interested, Mr. B demands the letter, and reads it, praising her handwriting and spelling. He tells her that she can use his mother’s library. Pamela’s letter notes that Mr. B seems to be a good and kind man, even though he previously had a reputation as a rake.