Pamela Gender Quotes

How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)

Quote #7

Admirable Pamela, said he, excellent Girl!—Surely thy Sentiments are superior to those of all thy Sex! (75.55)

Mr. B says this when Pamela says she'll be happy to wear modest clothes to meet Mr. B's friends, even though she's about to become all rich and fancy by marrying him. Apparently, most women would insist on wearing the shiny clothes. Women, right?

Quote #8

Said she, You deserve more than I can express; for, to all who know your Story, you are a matchless Person. You are an Ornament to our Sex, and your Virtue, tho' your dear Spouse is so excellent and generous as he is, has met with no more than its due Reward. (92.165)

Just for fun, let's imagine that Lady Jones is calling Mr. B an "ornament" to his sex, rather than Pamela. Doesn't work, does it? Only women can be ornamental—and they set the best example when they're being decorative.

Quote #9

Why, Sir, said I, I cannot help being grieved for the poor Mother of this sweet Babe, to think, if she be living, that she must call her chiefest Delight her Shame; if she be no more, that she much have sad Remorses on her poor Mind, when she came to leave the World, and her little Babe . . . (100.13)

Pamela is thinking here about Sally Godfrey, Mr. B's former girlfriend who got a little too friendly before locking Mr. B down. She's super worried about the spiritual agony Sally Godfrey must have experienced as a result of her relationship with Mr. B, but she doesn't have the same concerns about Mr. B. Typical.