At the very beginning of this novel, there was a suspicion of Lady B’s son. Something just didn’t match up with him, and maybe it’s past experience with other novels, but it just did not seem like he had Pamela’s “best interest” at heart, and it quickly came to surface that he in fact had interest in her, but it was not for her well being. Lady B’s son, was portrayed originally has such a jerk. He was the guy that treats his hired help terribly and expects them to be gracious in return. Early in the book, I did not have fond feelings for this man. However, as the novel progressed, so did my feelings.
For me this novel had a lot of “ups and downs”. Originally, I thinking Pamela was completely lacking intelligence. After having been attacked twice by the Squire, why would she not leave when she had the opportunity too. She claims it is because she has done such a wonderful job on this waistband, but why continue to stay and do a favour for him when he has treated her with no respect whatsoever. I suppose it has to do with the times, and what was expected of a female in her situation, and of her class. What shocked me even more was that she still liked this man, even after he had been so malicious towards her. I found it completely frustrating, and kept saying to myself really? You really still like him? However, in the end I was able to reflect and find respect for her, for staying strong and respecting herself. I hated the Squire originally for treating Pamela as he did, but then I liked him in the way for the way he respected and truly loved Pamela. Finally Mrs. Jewkes put me on a rollercoaster or like and dislike, but her character was one that I could never come to fully appreciate. Mrs. Jewkes, miserable, contrary, trouble- making Mrs. Jewkes. What a woman. She is completely against Pamela, and personally I was shocked that a female, was urging such things upon another female. Does she have no sympathy at all? And why would she want to inflict such pain and discomfort upon another woman. She is a woman who I wanted to slap. Repeatedly.
Overall this novel was full of emotions, and was able to peak my interest in several parts, because of the anger I felt at different times towards different characters. However, I credit this to the author and his ability to create this emotions at different points. It was an interesting read, to say the very least. Interesting may actually be a huge understatement.
It was just such a rollercoaster of responses — well, if rollercoasters had been invented, which they hadn’t — that made this such a popular novel.
Re. Mrs. Jewkes: I agree she has few, if any, redeeming features. In her defense: she is entirely dependent on Mr. B’s goodwill and so must do what he asks. On the other hand, she seems to relish her task, unlike Mrs. Jervis who at least puts up a resistence.
Comment by Miriam Jones — October 20, 2009 @ 4:16 am