A Freudian Reading of Samuel Richardson s Pamela

Richardson s Pamela (1740_1) is replete with elements and incidents that make it worthy enough to be viewed from Freud s perspective. The present study focuses upon how Richardson s characters unconsciously attempt to conceal and repress their own conflicting emotions, thoughts, wishes, impulses and how they struggle against their anxiety-ridden situations to regain their psychic balance. Moreover, the repetition of certain occurrences and elements play a crucial role in generating the uncanny effect in Pamela, including the role of double and déjà-vu, the castle-like settings, heroine s intimidating situations and also her master s past secret. In addition, the way Richardson s characters dress for the noteworthy masquerade ball scene and the ambiguous words of Pamela s master are considerably implies something that is affiliated with characters psyche according to Freud s condensation theory. With regard to Freud s concepts of The Tripartite Psyche , Anxiety and Ego Defense Mechanisms and Uncanny the researcher attempts to delve into the heroine and her master s psyche through her letters which reveal the contents of the heroine s unconscious mind.