In Pamela, Samuel Richardson teaches a lesson in religion through Pamela's pride in virtue, love through purity, and ultimately, forgiveness of others. It presents her character as rigorously devoted to God, which often makes her appear vain, manipulative, selfish, and hypocritical. Even though she appears to exhibit these characteristics, the truth is that all that matters to her is her virtue. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get an original essay Throughout the novel, Pamela portrays a pious pride in her virtue and humility. In the novel, she is extremely proud, not of the beauty of her face or body, but of the virtue she protects in the name of God. She equates the loss of her virtue as “worse than cutting one’s throat” (104). Richardson provides a lesson through Pamela's pride in virtue, showing the other characters that purity and righteousness will always prevail. Pamela's virtue opens even the squire's blind eyes when he exclaims: "Her virtue is all her pride, must I steal that from her?" (211). Although she could be mistaken for vanity when she tries on her humble clothes and declares, "I never liked myself so well in my life" (60), Richardson uses this to show how happy Pamela is in her poverty because she is honest. and virtuous. She prides herself on the honesty of her low birth because she sees much vanity in the rich, as shown by Lady Davers. After reading the letter regarding Pamela's inequality at the Squire's birth, Pamela becomes furious with Lady Davers for stooping to "such vain pride" (222). Pamela prays that God will not be consumed by the “pride, vanity, and arrogance” (279) of wealth. Her pride in virtue is an honorable pride because it focuses on God, while the pride she fears is focused on status and wealth. Pamela displays immense pride in her honesty and virtue, focusing on God's ideals. Pamela's pride in her virtue ultimately earns her the pure love of the squire, contrary to her former desire. Pamela's protection of her virginity blossoms into righteous love, her reward from God. Throughout the text, Pamela persistently denies the Squire's passions, through harsh words and actions. Her virtue only makes her more attractive in his eyes: “I see you so vigilant about your Virtue. . . my passion for you is only increased” (184). She believes that a woman who gives in to evil and loses her virginity is “the vilest of creatures” (174). Pamela perceives his honesty with such importance that she says, “my honesty is dearer to me than my life” (208). After his tantrums when he tries to rape her, the squire finally realizes how important virtue is to Pamela. He learns to love and respect her thanks to her virtue. Finally, the squire recognizes Pamela as equal to her noble birth because of her virtue: “Let us now speak only of equality; for if you oppose the riches of your mind and your spotless virtue to my fortune, condescension will be yours” (294). Pamela appears manipulative because she takes advantage of his virtue, thereby increasing his social status. Although Pamela's reward for virtue is marriage, Richardson shows that Pamela never dreams of this outcome, believing that a "poor servant is far unworthy of this great honor" (209). She continually thanks God for such an honor, considering it a reward from her for all her suffering at the hands of the squire. Because of her virtue, Richardson shows that God rewards Pamela with a very honorable marriage. Pamela, thanks to her trust in God, finds the heart to forgive those who have.