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 composes a letter to her father and mother, writing that this time, she might deliver it in person. The day before, Mr. B came up to her after his morning hunt, and while Pamela expected the worst, he was kind to her. He invited her into his library, took her hand, and confessed his love to her, saying he doesn’t want to have to consider her a servant anymore. He asked if her father, though poor, was still an honest man. Pamela confirmed he was.
While Mr. B’s kindness toward Pamela might be just another trick, it’s also possible that by witnessing Pamela from his hiding place the closet in the previous chapter (when she wanted to return the four guineas), he has gained a better understanding of her. Readers should also note that Mr. B himself sometimes seems confused and conflicted about his motives for how he acts toward Pamela.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
Pamela continues writing that Mr. B begged her to stay just a little longer, just another week or two, and that it’ll be worth her while. Pamela said she still wanted to leave the next day, as she’d planned. She prayed the Lord’s Prayer for strength not to be tempted, which Mr. B made fun of. As she ends the letter, Pamela says she still plans to leave soon, but because John is headed to her mother and father right now, she’ll put send the letter with him.
Mr. B’s amusement at Pamela’s prayer hints at his scornful attitude toward religion at this point in the story. The Lord’s Prayer is particular appropriate for this point in the story because it has a line about resisting temptation. Although Pamela is herself trying to resist temptation, the line applies ever more to Mr. B.
Themes
Quiz
Test Yourself
