Unbelievable Pamela

I find in Pamela a characterization issue that many modern critics tend to attack ferociously in other works: The two main characters (Pamela and her Master) have personalities that are hard to believe. I don't necessarily suspend my disbelief with a 15 year-old girl who displays incredible patience, prudence, and discretion. I don't take issue with the value she places on her virtue, nor her diligence to defend it. However, I don't believe she could easily maintain the dignity she holds on to and the grace she carries herself with through her trials, especially at her age.

In the same way, I find it quite difficult to swallow an older, noble gentleman suddenly falling so far, so quickly into disgrace. If such lack of restraint and empathy were in his character, I would argue that it should have manifested much earlier in his life, and he couldn't have gotten away with much favor in his reputation. Furthermore, Pamela's charm or attractiveness could never have been the sole cause for his corruption. She is merely something he desires, and his actions in response to his desires are a manifestation of something within himself, not due to her influence. Evidence for this exists in every other character; they are all charmed by her, yet make no selfish advances to claim her for themselves.

A final point I must make is that the conflict between these two characters is like tug of war between two trees. There's plenty of tension in the rope to simulate opposite pulls, but neither tree is capable of uprooting the other, nor do they have any power to remove themselves from the conflict. It becomes tiresome to watch as Pamela's stay is perpetually continued. Perhaps this is Richardson's desired effect. If so, well, it's been highly successful in me.