How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
Forbear, Sir, said I: While I've a Father and Mother, I am not my own Mistress, poor as they are: And I'll see myself quite at Liberty before I shall think myself fit to make a Choice. (46.9)
Pamela writes this sentence to Mr. Williams, who is all gung-ho to marry her. She's not stoked about the plan, but the more important point, in her universe, is that she can't make any decisions about it, since it's really her parents' job to choose her husband. (Mom, if you're reading this: no. You still can't arrange our marriage.)
Quote #2
Just now the horrid Creature tells me, as a Secret, that she has reason to think he has found a Way to satisfy my Scruples: It is, by marrying me to this dreadful Colbrand, and buying me of him on the Wedding-day, for a Sum of Money! . . . She says that it will be my Duty to obey my Husband . . . and that when my Master has paid for me, and I am surrender'd up, the Swiss is to go home again, with the Money, to his former Wife and Children . . . (56.4)
Pamela refers here to a conversation with Mrs. Jewkes, who has suggested that Mr. B is going to try to satisfy Pamela's "scruples" by making sure she's married to someone on his payroll. According to the logic, Pamela would then be obligated to do what her husband says … so, if her husband says, "Sleep with Mr. B," she'd have to suck it up and do it. (Super fun Brain Snack: traditionally, in the Church of England marriage service, the groom promise to "love, cherish, and worship," while the bride promises to "love, cherish, and obey." Nice double standard, there.)
Quote #3
Sir, said Mr. Peters, very kindly, 'tis a very solemn Circumstance, and I love to see it so reverently and awfully enter'd upon. It is a most excellent Sign; for the most thoughtful Beginnings make the most prudent Proceedings. (85.16)
Pamela has got some major cold feet before her marriage to Mr. B—and believe it or not, not because he spent the first half of the book trying to sexually assault her. Instead, she just takes marriage so seriously that she has trouble wrapping her head around the step. It makes sense: if you've spent most of the book defending your virginity, it's got to be a little nerve-wracking to know that your wedding night is on its way.