Bring on the tough stuff - there’s not just one right answer.
- The book divided into two volumes—why? What are the structural differences between the two halves of the book, and why do they matter?
- How do the letters work for you? Do you like reading an epistolary novel, or do you find yourself wishing you had some kind of third person narrator to clear things up?
- Pamela has a lot of views that could be considered traditional or conformist, but she also has some radical ones as well—or at least, ones that those around her find radical or shocking. Is Pamela a conservative or radical figure, in your view?
- Why is it important that the "editor" (i.e., Richardson) insert his thoughts and observations at certain points? What do those moments do for your interpretations of events?
- Is Pamela too good to be true, really? After all, most of what we know about her/her life comes directly from her pen. Do you think she's a reliable narrator? If so, what makes her believable? If not, why?
- According to Pamela and the editor, Mr. B transitions from being a violent, bullying, immoral would-be rapist to a doting husband and model Christian. Do you buy the story of his reform? Why or why not?
- Why do you think Mrs. Jewkes goes along with Mr. B's assaults? Can you think of any modern-day analogues to someone like her, who's complicit in another woman's sexual assault?
- A lot of people, including Richardson's contemporaries, have suggested that Pamela is just faking her virtue to get Mr. B to marry her. Is this a compelling reading, or do you think that Richardson was really being 100% serious with his portrayal of her?
- Is Pamela ultimately a sympathetic character? Do you feel sorry for her? Or do you have a hard time sympathizing with her struggles?
- Why do you think Pamela doesn't leave the house? Do you buy her excuses, like not having the right clothes? Or do you think Richardson wants us to feel an ambiguity or reluctance in her?