Pamela

Content warning: This Important Quotes section includes references to attempted rape and sexual harassment.

“We begin to be in great fear for you; for what signify all the riches in the world, with a bad conscience, and to be dishonest?”

In the first letter that Pamela’s parents send to her, they warn her about the special attention Mr. B has started showing to Pamela. At this stage, Pamela has no suspicions of Mr. B, and thinks that he is merely being kind. The response from her parents foreshadows the conflict that will drive the rest of the plot, and juxtaposes Pamela’s naivety with her parents’ more astute understanding of class and gender dynamics. This passage also marks the introduction of the theme of Choosing Personal Integrity over Material Rewards, since Pamela’s parents immediately and correctly judge that their daughter will be faced with a conflict between prosperity and virtue. 

“I am going on again with a long letter; for I love writing”

Pamela cheerfully notes her love of writing. While Pamela often lacks control due to her social position and her inability to physically defend herself from Mr. B’s advances, her prolific and enthusiastic narration of her experiences grants her agency. Pamela’s love of writing reflects her sense of self-worth, as she believes that she matters enough to be worthy of documentation; this sense of self-worth leads her to defend her right to choose who has access to her body.