Pamela- In Contemporary Time

 

If Pamela was in the contemporary time, will the story take any changes? 

If Pamela, the famous character from the novel "Pamela, or Virtue Rewarded" by Samuel Richardson, were placed in contemporary times, several significant changes would likely occur in her story. Let's explore these changes .

Firstly, Pamela's social and economic background would be different. In the 18th century, she was a humble servant, and her struggle against the advances of her wealthy master, Mr. B, formed the core of the story. In contemporary times, Pamela might come from a different socioeconomic background, which would affect her interactions with Mr. B and the challenges she faces. For example, she could be a young professional working in an office, making her relationship with her employer more complex.

Secondly, technology would play a role in Pamela's story. In the original novel, communication relied on handwritten letters and face-to-face conversations. In the modern world, Pamela would likely use smartphones, social media, and email to correspond with Mr. B and others. This could make her story more public and expose her struggles to a wider audience.

Additionally, the expectations of virtue and morality have evolved over time. In the 18th century, Pamela's resistance to Mr. B's advances was seen as a demonstration of her virtue. In contemporary times, the definition of virtue and the expectations surrounding consent, relationships, and workplace ethics have changed. Pamela's actions and decisions would need to align with modern standards of consent and empowerment, which could alter the course of her story.

Furthermore, Pamela's support network would differ. In the original novel, her parents were relatively powerless to protect her, and she relied on her own resourcefulness. In the contemporary world, Pamela would likely have access to legal and support services, such as workplace harassment counseling and organizations advocating for women's rights. These resources could influence her decisions and actions in dealing with Mr. B's advances.

Moreover, the legal system and consequences for Mr. B's behavior would be different. In the 18th century, he faced little legal accountability for his actions. In contemporary times, his behavior could lead to legal consequences, including potential criminal charges and civil lawsuits. Pamela's choices would be influenced by the legal options available to her and the potential repercussions for Mr. B.

Lastly, the role of gender and power dynamics in Pamela's story would be viewed through a modern lens. Discussions of consent, coercion, and workplace harassment would be central to her narrative. Society's awareness of these issues would shape the way people perceive Pamela's struggles and influence the outcome of her story.

In conclusion, if Pamela were placed in contemporary times, her story would undergo significant changes due to differences in socioeconomic backgrounds, technological advancements, shifting moral standards, the availability of support networks, changes in the legal system, and the modern understanding of gender and power dynamics. These changes would reshape her narrative and the challenges she faces in her pursuit of virtue and self-respect.

Gracias 🙏

Blog assigned by:- Vaidehi Haryanvi (assi. Professor, English department MKBU)