The Anti-Pamela: ;Or, Feign'd Innocence Detected

Eliza Haywood's novel "The Anti-Pamela: Or, Feign d Innocence Detected" (1741) is a parody of Samuel Richardson's "Pamela; Or, Virtue Rewarded." It explores the intersection of gender and class and presents a protagonist who uses her sexuality for social mobility, challenging the traditional portrayal of feminine desire. The novel features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript.

Format: Hardback
Length: 162 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Eliza Haywood's novel, "The Anti-Pamela: Or, Feign d Innocence Detected" (1741), is a captivating blend of tragedy and comedy that delves into the intricate intersection of gender and class. Written in response to Samuel Richardson's "Pamela; Or, Virtue Rewarded," a novel that portrays a young girl's resistance to her wealthy employer's advances and her eventual honorable marriage, Haywood's work challenges the conventional portrayal of static feminine desire. Instead, she presents a protagonist, Syrena Tricksy, who wields her sexuality as a tool for social mobility, showcasing resilience and determination in the face of repeated failures.

Syrena, a resourceful and independent character, disguises herself as an unmarried aristocrat, a mistress, a widow, and a libertine, all in pursuit of a wealthy nobleman to marry. With ease, she navigates these roles, frequently getting in her own way due to her carelessness and greed. However, what sets Syrena apart from the stereotypical portrayal of feminine sexuality is her unwavering assertiveness and active participation in her pursuits. She may not be perfect, but she is never passive, actively shaping her destiny and defying societal expectations.

"The Anti-Pamela: Or, Feign d Innocence Detected" serves as a parody of Samuel Richardson's popular novel of morality, "Pamela." It satirizes the unrealistic character at the heart of "Pamela," a woman who achieves her desires solely through virtue. By presenting Syrena as a flawed but determined protagonist, Haywood challenges the notion that women's sexuality is solely tied to morality and virtue. Through its beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of "The Anti-Pamela" offers a classic of English literature reimagined for modern readers, providing a fresh perspective on the complexities of gender and class in 18th-century society.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133140