How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #1
I see my good Mother's Care in your Learning has not been thrown away upon you. My Mother used to say, you lov'd reading; you may look into any of her Books to improve yourself, so you take care of them. (4.4)
This reference to how books can help with self-improvement makes us think that Richardson is nudging us to use this book for self-betterment. Hear that, Shmoopers? Don't shelve Pamela under fiction; it belongs with the self-help books.
Quote #2
He by Force kissed my Neck and Lips; and said, Who ever blamed Lucretia, but the Ravisher only? and I am content to take all the Blame upon me; as I have already borne too great a Share for what I have deserv'd. May I, said I, Lucretia like, justify myself with my Death, if I am used barbarously? O my good Girl! said he, tauntingly, you are well read, I see; and we shall make out between us, before we have done, a pretty Story in Romance, I warrant ye! (18.12)
Brain Snack: Mr. B is referring to a Roman story about Lucretia, a woman who's raped by a prince, commits suicide, and thus precipitates a revolution. This is not a story you'd expect a servant girl to know, and it seems to turn Mr. B on. (Which, gross.) But check out how he seems to be picturing himself (and her) as characters in a story: no wonder he doesn't think about the consequences.
Quote #3
After such Offers, and such Threatenings, and his comparing himself to a wicked Ravisher, in the very Time of his last Offer; and making a Jest of me, that we should make a pretty Story in Romances; can I stay and be safe? (21.5)
Obviously, Pamela is not into Mr. B's assaults. But check out the way she talks about it: what seems to bother her most is that Mr. B dehumanizes their situation by making it into a story. That freaks her out just as much as the "offers" and "threatenings." Words have power, Shmoopers!