MB UNIUD

Structural analysis of the novel

Pamela and virtue regarded, Samuel Richardson

Story line

Pamela is a servant whom "good lady" died. The extract is the Pamela's letter to her parents in which she informs their of the situation in her house, focusing hers attention on Mr. B.'s behavior.

Setting

Time is not definite but the place is clearly expressed. Pamela writes letters in hers late lady's dressing room.

Characters

·         Main characters

Pamela - She is the main character and the point of view by whom we know

the story. By the letters comes out that she is a double person. She is contemporary the Pamela responsible, intelligent, willing-heart, provident, prudent and cunning, she who writes letters to inform hers parents and she who takes care of their. But she is also the frighten, candid, frail Pamela who is in subjection in front of her master.

Pamela's master - He is the son of hers good lady and he puts her in

subjection.

He is cute and nice with her and he seems to take care about her. But it is clear that he is interest on Pamela not only as servant but also as a woman and a person because he puts his attention on the letter and he read it. T

The intelligent reader should ask him/herself: Does he want only to control the content of the letter or is he interest on Pamela? Only continuing the reading you can find answers.

·         Secondary characters: Good lady, Parents (receivers of the letter)

Narrative techniques

Pamela or virtue regarded is an epistolary novel so the narrator talks about his/her personal experiences. In this case the narrator is Pamela. The reader knows facts by hers pint of view and knows only what she want to tell.

Reading you puts your attention on the psychological characterization that Richardson builds of Pamela.

As a regard narrative techniques the story seems true because Pamela use to report direct speeches and to explain clearly hers feelings.