Pamela Marriage Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

And then, next, after we have, perhaps, half broken their Hearts, a Wife is look'd out for: Convenience, or Birth and Fortune, are the first Motives, Affection the last (if it is at all consulted); And two People thus educated, thus trained up in a Course of unnatural Ingratitude, and who have been headstrong Torments to every one who has had a Share in their Education, as well as to those to whom they owe their Being, are brought together; and what can be expected, but that they should pursue, and carry on, the same comfortable Conduct, in Matrimony, and join most heartily to plague one another? (93.174)

This is Mr. B explaining the typical attitudes and conditions that frame marriage among the wealthy. As he explains, when you raise bratty, entitled children, it's hard for them to get along with others who have been raised that way. Solution? Marry a humble, grateful servant! Problem solved.

Quote #8

Why, my dear Friend, said my Master, I must tell you, That her Person made me her Lover; but her Mind made her my Wife. (99.13)

Here again, Mr. B asserts that he cares less about his wife's hotness than her braininess—how modern of him. (And, given that he spent the first part of the novel trying to get up her skirt, not 100% convincing.)

Quote #9

She made her beloved Spouse happy in a numerous and hopeful Progeny. And he made her the best and fondest of Husbands, and, after her Example, became remarkable for Piety, Virtue, and all the Social Duties of a Man and a Christian. (104.5)

In the end, we find out that Mr. B's marriage with Pamela ends up improving him, just as Mr. B had hoped. So, don't despair, all you bored and dissolute aristocrats: all you need to do is find a virtuous servant girl to harass into marrying you, and you, too, can become a good Christian.