The Anti-Pamela; Or Feign'd Innocence Detected
Author: Eliza Haywood
Date: June 16th, 1741
Full text
Haywood made a name for herself during the 1720's as a prolific writer- her successful Love in Excess (1719-20) being exactly the kind of novel Richardson opposed. After dabbling in playwriting and acting roles in the mid to late 1730's, a silence seemed to possibly mark the end of her career. Pamela's reception was a strong enough pull for her to resume her pen and write The Anti-Pamela.
The narrative is a well developed one, reading as an original and independent work rather than a sort of intellectual parasite. Unlike the other Richardson stirred authors, Haywood skips critiquing the laudatory letters/praises. Anti-Pamela is vastly different from Shamela given their origin of inspiration.
Date: June 16th, 1741
Full text
Haywood made a name for herself during the 1720's as a prolific writer- her successful Love in Excess (1719-20) being exactly the kind of novel Richardson opposed. After dabbling in playwriting and acting roles in the mid to late 1730's, a silence seemed to possibly mark the end of her career. Pamela's reception was a strong enough pull for her to resume her pen and write The Anti-Pamela.
The narrative is a well developed one, reading as an original and independent work rather than a sort of intellectual parasite. Unlike the other Richardson stirred authors, Haywood skips critiquing the laudatory letters/praises. Anti-Pamela is vastly different from Shamela given their origin of inspiration.
An Examination of the Title Page/ Overview
Haywood abandons the epistolary format and we are told from the start that this work is a series of adventures, not a collection of letters. Living through adventures rather than reacting to them through letter writing provides Haywood's heroine with power.
Publish'd as a necessary Caution to all Young Gentlemen.The didactic purpose here is not to spread virtue but to warn young men. It can be used as arms against the mischiefs that frequently arise from a too sudden admiration. This is a warning of sexual desire but more so the effects of money on certain kinds of girls. Syrena Tricksy, as the name implies, is a trickster-and a good one. Trained from a young age by her mother in the arts of manipulation, she is determined to secure financial gain through marriage. Her "adventures" start when she is seduced by a soldier named Vardine- who quickly leaves her in need of an abortion and no hopes of marriage. After failed attempts to entrap either her employer, Sir Thomas or his son Mr.L, into marriage Syrena goes through an impressively large number of relationships. Many, many men fall prey to her charms and pay dearly for it. She is far from a helpless victim- a marvelous actress, even relocating several times to quiet her growing reputation. Despite her efforts, there is no reward as she is unable to attain her ultimate goals. |