In class Tuesday October 13th we spoke a bit about the epistolary novel form and the visible advantages and disadvantages of the form within Pamela. The most interesting aspect to me is how the form allows for the author to give the reader the impression that they are actively involved in the story. In the case of Pamela, the letters become a tangible, physical object to both the reader and the fictional characters within the work.
Pamela’s letters, which at first act as the sole portal the reader possesses to observe the story, become central to the plot of the novel. The reader develops a sense of competition with Mr. B as the character attempts to get his hands on Pamela’s letters which the reader has been poring over since the beginning of the novel. Certainly there is an element of voyeurism involved in the viewing young Pamela’s personal letters whether the reader, or Mr. B, is aware of it or not. In this way the epistolary form gives the reader the impression that they are reading something personal that perhaps is none of their business, which only acts to engage the reader even further! Clever!
I found Pamela similar to Robinson Crusoe in narrative form. While it may be difficult to mull through the often repetitive, daily tasks of these narrators over an extended period of their lives (especially in Pamela given the present tense presentation and the absence of any semblance of adventure), these forms nevertheless act to give a certain authenticity to the lives of these fictional characters. But I must say, personally, the first person present tense of Pamela did seem to draw out the protagonist’s life to a yawn-inducing degree. It brought back memories of reading Wuthering Heights in Grade 11, and wondering just how long can this thing can go on???!! But regardless of this, it’s still fascinating to follow the baby steps in development of narrative prose to the form it has become today. And for this reason, Pamela was a worthwhile read.
You may be the only person in history to compare Pamela with Wuthering Heights!
That was quite an interesting analysis on Pamela by comaring it to Wuthering Heights and Robinson Crusoe!
But I agree with you; the story-told-through-letters style is a more convincing, more personal method of telling the story. Especially since it’s written by a young girl whose only confidant is her own writing.
And, of course, the fact that the letters also act as a plot device is interesting; Mr. B is changed as a result.