Shamela

Definition

Shamela is a satirical novel written by Henry Fielding in 1741, serving as a parody of Samuel Richardson's novel Pamela. It critiques the moral pretensions and sexual politics present in Richardson's work while also addressing broader themes of class and gender in Restoration and early 18th-century society. Fielding’s Shamela uses humor and irony to expose the hypocrisy of its characters and the societal norms of the time, thus demonstrating the power of satire in literature during this period.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Shamela is considered one of the first works of English literature to effectively blend elements of satire with a clear narrative structure.
2. Fielding wrote Shamela in response to the overwhelming popularity of Richardson's Pamela, aiming to challenge its moralistic tone and highlight its inconsistencies.
3. The character of Shamela is portrayed as both manipulative and shrewd, subverting traditional gender roles by using her sexuality to achieve her own goals.
4. Fielding employs a variety of comedic devices in Shamela, including direct address to the reader and humorous footnotes, enhancing its satirical impact.
5. The publication of Shamela sparked debates about literary morality and social values, making it an important work in discussions about women's roles in literature and society during this time.

Review Questions

• How does Shamela serve as a critique of Richardson's Pamela, and what are some key examples that illustrate this critique?
  • Shamela critiques Richardson's Pamela by exposing the moral contradictions in the original text. For example, while Pamela pretends to uphold virtue, Shamela reveals her manipulative tactics to achieve her desires. Fielding uses irony to highlight how Pamela's supposed purity is undermined by her actions, thus questioning the sincerity of female virtue portrayed in Richardson's work. This creates a contrast between idealized morality and the realities of women's lives.
• Discuss the role of satire in Shamela and how it reflects the societal issues of the Restoration and early 18th century.
  • Satire in Shamela plays a crucial role in addressing issues such as class dynamics and gender politics prevalent during the Restoration and early 18th century. By mocking both the upper classes and moral pretenders like Mr. Booby, Fielding exposes the hypocrisy embedded in social interactions. The humor found within Shamela allows readers to critically engage with societal norms, making them reconsider accepted behaviors regarding gender roles and social hierarchies.
• Evaluate how Shamela contributes to discussions about female agency in literature, particularly regarding its portrayal of female characters' manipulation and power.
  • Shamela significantly contributes to discussions about female agency by presenting its protagonist as both empowered and cunning. Unlike traditional portrayals of women as passive victims, Shamela actively navigates her circumstances using wit and sexual prowess. This subversion challenges contemporary expectations for female behavior, suggesting that women can wield power through intelligence rather than mere submission. Fielding’s portrayal raises important questions about autonomy and manipulation within societal structures that often restrict women's agency.

Related terms

Pamela:

A novel by Samuel Richardson published in 1740, which tells the story of a young maidservant's attempts to maintain her virtue against the advances of her wealthy employer.

Satire: A literary technique that uses humor, irony, exaggeration, or ridicule to criticize or mock individuals, institutions, or societal norms.

Parody:

A form of satire that imitates the style or content of a particular work or genre to produce a humorous or critical effect.