THE CONCEPT OF VIRTUE IN RICHARDSON’S PAMELA OR VIRTUE REWARDED:


 In Samuel Richardson’s novels, a moral intention has been glaringly evident, where his imaginary characters frequently escaped strict schemata. His novels speak volumes of complacent and calculating middle class morality. In his notable work, Pamela or Virtue Rewarded, the protagonist reaps the dividends of her virtuous nature by marrying an affluent nobleman.
 In Christianity, virtue is fundamental to Christian ethics. There are seven types of virtues, consisting of the four “natural” virtues, those inculcated in the old pagan world that spring from the common endowment of humanity, and the three “theological” virtues,  specifically prescribed in the Christianity  emblem of special gifts from God.
Virtue is defined as “conformity of life and conduct with the principles of morality.” The virtues are the positive attitudes and habits adopted in obedience to moral principles. They are conventionally seven in number, each as a counterpart to the seven deadly sins.
In Pamela, Samuel Richardson teaches a moral lesson through Pamela’s virtue, love, chastity, and capacity to forgive others. She is devoted to God and a person of strong moral scruples. In the novel, Pamela displays a pride in her virtue and humility. She is extremely proud, of her virtue, which she protects in the name of God. She compares losing her virtue as “worse than cutting her Throat” (104). Richardson evinces the fact through Pamela’s pride in virtue, by  making the other characters realise that purity and righteousness will always prevail. Pamela’s virtue opens the blind eyes of the Squire when he exclaims, “Her Virtue is all her Pride, shall I rob her of that?” (211). Though she might be mistaken as vain when she tries on her humble attire and professes, “I never lik’d myself so well in my Life” (60), Richardson uses this to show how Pamela can be happy even in her poverty because of her honesty and virtuousness. She is proud to be honest to admit her poor status.


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