Shamela

Definition

Shamela is a satirical novel by Henry Fielding, published in 1741 as a parody of Samuel Richardson's 'Pamela.' It cleverly critiques the moral and social pretensions of Richardson's work while also addressing themes such as class, gender, and the complexities of virtue. By presenting a more realistic and cynical view of its characters, Shamela challenges the idealized portrayal of women and their roles in society found in its predecessor.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shamela was written in response to Richardson's Pamela, presenting a more skeptical and humorous portrayal of virtue and social class dynamics.
2. Fielding’s protagonist, Shamela Andrews, is depicted as manipulative and calculating, contrasting sharply with Pamela's innocent and virtuous demeanor.
3. The novel employs various comedic devices such as irony and exaggeration to critique both the romantic ideals presented in Pamela and the hypocrisy within society.
4. Fielding's work reflects Enlightenment thought by challenging established moral norms and promoting a more pragmatic view of human nature.
5. Shamela contributed to the rise of the novel as a significant literary form in the 18th century, influencing future authors to explore themes of satire and social commentary.

Review Questions

• How does Shamela serve as a critique of Richardson's Pamela and what techniques does Fielding use to achieve this?
  • Shamela critiques Richardson's Pamela by subverting its themes of virtue and morality through humor and irony. Fielding uses exaggerated character traits and situations to expose the hypocrisy behind Pamela's idealized morality. By presenting Shamela as cunning and self-serving, Fielding challenges the notion of female virtue celebrated in Pamela, effectively transforming a serious narrative into a satirical commentary on societal norms.
• In what ways does Shamela reflect the social attitudes towards gender and class in 18th century Britain?
  • Shamela reflects 18th century social attitudes by highlighting the complexities of gender roles and class structures. Fielding portrays Shamela as an ambitious woman who manipulates her circumstances for personal gain, thus critiquing the limited options available to women. The novel exposes class disparities by showcasing how social status impacts relationships, illustrating both the power dynamics at play and the lengths to which individuals will go to navigate these structures.
• Evaluate how Shamela influenced later literary works in terms of satire and social critique.
  • Shamela influenced later literary works by establishing a precedent for using satire as a tool for social critique. Its bold challenge to established norms inspired subsequent authors to adopt similar techniques in exploring themes like class conflict and gender dynamics. The blending of humor with serious commentary in Shamela opened the door for future novels that sought to question societal values, paving the way for a more critical approach in literature during the Enlightenment and beyond.

Related terms

Pamela:

A novel by Samuel Richardson that tells the story of a young maidservant who resists the advances of her wealthy employer, ultimately achieving a marriage proposal from him, symbolizing virtue rewarded.

Satire: A genre of literature that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize and expose the flaws or absurdities of individuals, society, or institutions.

Social Critique: The examination and evaluation of societal norms and structures, often with the aim of revealing injustices or advocating for change.