Pamela- In Contemporary Time

 

Hello everyone, 
This blog is based upon Thinking Task. 

If Pamela was in the contemporary time, will the story take any changes?

If Pamela's story were set in modern times, several key aspects of the narrative would likely change, reflecting the shifts in society, technology, and women's rights. Here's how Pamela's story might unfold in today's world:

Pamela, in the contemporary era, would probably not be a maidservant but a regular working woman with various career options. She might work in an office, a store, or any other profession she chooses. In today's world, women have more opportunities to pursue careers and aren't restricted to serving in households.

The way people communicate has evolved drastically. Instead of writing long letters by hand, Pamela might use emails, text messages, or social media to share her experiences and feelings. This modern form of communication would allow her to quickly reach out for help, support, or advice, making it easier for her to document any inappropriate behavior.

In the 18th century, social class distinctions were very rigid. Pamela's relationship with her employer would have been marked by significant differences in power and social status. However, in contemporary times, while workplace dynamics still exist, class distinctions are often less pronounced. Pamela's interactions with her employer might be influenced by her job and workplace policies rather than solely by her social class.

In Pamela's time, women had limited legal protection and faced a lack of resources when dealing with harassment. Today, there are laws and regulations that protect women from harassment in the workplace. Pamela would be aware of her rights and encouraged to report any inappropriate behavior to human resources or relevant authorities.

Pamela's independence and self-reliance would likely be more emphasized in a modern setting. She could have a strong support system of friends, family, and colleagues who encourage her to stand up for herself. If she faced harassment, she might have access to counseling, support groups, or hotlines for individuals dealing with similar situations.

Pamela's story might revolve around her journey to assert herself in a world that still grapples with issues of gender equality and workplace harassment. She might undergo personal growth, gaining confidence and resilience as she navigates the challenges of modern society.

In nutshell, Pamela's story in contemporary times would reflect the changes in our world, including increased opportunities for women, advancements in technology, and greater awareness of women's rights. While the core theme of resisting unwanted advances and maintaining personal integrity would remain, Pamela's story would be adapted to the realities of the 21st century, with a focus on empowerment, support, and the pursuit of justice.

Letters and their Importance in Pamela: 

“And the next day I was very sad, and began my long letter. He saw me writing, and said (as I mentioned) to Mrs Jervis, ‘That girl is always scribbling; methinks she might find something else to do’; or to that purpose. And when I had finished my letter, I put it under the toiler, in my late lady’s dressing-room, whither nobody comes but myself and Mrs Jervis, beside my master; but when I came up again to seal it, to my great concern, it was gone; and Mrs Jervis knew nothing of it; and nobody knew of my master’s having been near the place in the time: So I have been sadly troubled about it”

–Pamela, page

In Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, there is an emphasis on letters and their use. The entire narrative is delivered to us through the use of letters, written by the protagonist herself towards her parents, with a few responses as well. Letters are thus information being departed from Pamela towards her family, and to us as well. Yet, another character is also privy to a lot of this information; the male Master of the household in which she serves. He intercepts her very first letter and urges her to continue writing, all the while hinting at a narrow allowance of subject coverage.

“…you ought to be wary what tales you send out of a family. Be faithful and diligent; and do as you should do, and I will like you the better for this.” 

These letters are mostly between one and two pages long, but the dictation would have us believe differently. Even one-page letters are described as long. Indeed, Pamela’s description of her hiding of a letter (quoted above), is evident of a long process needed to complete and post a letter. In the 18th century, writing seems to be not only the source of information between family, but also a long and daunting process.

Yet writing in this story is also dangerous. The Master’s interception of her letters is a constant threat, and he is better armed to take advantage of her because of them. This means that not only is writing necessary for Pamela to communicate and request help, but it constitutes a tool for her enemy. Considering the past fate of her letters, one wonders whether her fear as described in the 14th letter did not induce her further misfortunes. In fact, considering the ease by which the Master took away one of Pamela’s letters, one wonders whether her family receives any letter at all that includes sensitive information.

It is noteworthy how powerless the women are in this text. Mrs Jervis’ attempts to dissuade the master are dashed aside easily, and his threats to both women are explicit and with dreadful implications. His command of the household is absolute and neither female can disobey their master. All they can do is hope that “he will give over all attempts: And that [they] shall better know what to do [later]”. Postponing the inevitable, hoping against all hope – the servants in this text have no method with which to defend their innocence and honor.

Pamela’s storytelling is wondrous – the method by which the narration is especially important. Letters help to ground this book in reality, while their information smooth over problems of narration and make Pamela an unreliable narrator. However, in defiance of Behn and Defoe, Pamela’s unreliability makes sense; after all, she has to be careful that nothing she writes about could condemn her to further mistreatment by the Master who harasses her. A framing device, a plot device and an innovation; letters give Pamela a marvelous character.

Thank you.