Pamela, or, Virtue Rewarded Papers & Assignment Topics

Essay Topics/Writing Assignments

These 20 essay questions can be used as essay questions on a test, or as stand-alone essay topics for a take-home or in-class writing assignment. Students should have a full understanding of the text in order to answer these questions. They ask for a thorough analysis of the text.

1. The novel is essentially a story about the theme of resisting the advances of a wealthy master. Explain the characteristics of the society in which the novel is set, makes this story line a viable one and comment on whether it would be equally viable in the modern world.

2. Identify incidents in which Samuel Richardson makes use of disguise, surprise and accidental discoveries as devices to advance the plot. Discuss their effects on the development of the story.

3. Discuss the view that "Pamela" is a vehicle through which Samuel Richardson promotes the idea...
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