Last set of Pamela questions! Answer two of them for Wednesday's class, then we'll have a short break before starting Austen's novel (our last!).
Q1: By the end of Book 1, is Mr. B finally able to see Pamela as an equal, or at least a woman of rank and character, and not merely a servant (or his servant)? If so, where does he finally acknowledge this? And if not, what seems to prevent him from making the intellectual switch?
Q2: What did you make of the incredible scene where Mr. B dresses up as a woman to seduce Pamela at night with Miss Jewkes' help? Is this a scene of high comedy, played for laughs to ridicule Mr. B and the aristocracy? Or is this a scene of lurid semi-pornography which almost went too far? How do you think Richardson wanted us to read this: with laughter or with terror (or for some readers, titillation)?
Q3: Why do you think Pamela is so careful to reproduce Mr. B's "Articles" so exactly, followed by her point-by-point responses? She could have easily summarized all of this and/or merely recorded her indignation to them? Why did she take the time--and waste the paper, which is a scarce commodity for her--to copy it all out for herself (and the reader)?
Q4: Based on the ending of Part I, where do you think the novel is headed in Part II? Though you know the general outcome of the story (they do end up marrying), is that a foregone conclusion from Part I? What obstacles might they still face in the months (and years?) to come?
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