How we cite our quotes: (Chapter.Paragraph)
Quote #4
But I'll do all the Duties of my Place first, if I may. And I hope you'll give me a Character as to my Honesty, as it may not look as if I was turn'd away for any Harm. (21.7)
In case you're wondering why Pamela doesn't just pack up and leave, here's your answer: she needs a good "character." Brain Snack: a "character" is essentially a reference letter; it's a testimonial from a former employer. Without a good character, Pamela won't have a shot at getting another job, since it'll look like she got fired.
Quote #5
But, said I, what do you call Honour?—Why, said she, what does he call Honour, think you?—Ruin! Shame! Disgrace! Said I, I fear!—Pho, pho, said she . . . (40.8)
To Pamela, "honor" means "virginity." To Mr. B, "honor means … whatever Mr. B wants it to mean. Those tricky aristocrats think they have control over language, but Mr. B's about to get a good lesson in what it means to have principles. (Lesson #1: be poor.)
Quote #6
Were my Life in question, instead of my Honesty, I would not wish to involve you, or any body, in the least Difficulty for so worthless a poor Creature. But, O Sir! My Soul is of equal Importance with the Soul of a Princess; though my Quality is inferior to that of the meanest Slave." (50.5)
Grab your highlighters, Shmoop, because this just might be the most important sentence in the book. For that matter, it might just be the most important sentence in the history of eighteenth-century novels. (Not even joking.) "My Soul is of equal Importance with the Soul of a Princess." This is radical talk, folks. Pamela is saying that she has as much right as a princess to protect her virtue—and to someone like Mr. B, used to thinking of people like Pamela as practically a difference species, it sounds absolutely nuts.