Plot summary, “Shamela” by Henry Fielding in 5 Minutes - Book Review

Shamela (1741) by Henry Fielding is a sharp and humorous parody of Samuel Richardson’s Pamela, mocking its moralistic themes and writing style. Written as a satirical epistolary novel, Shamela presents the titular character, a scheming woman who manipulates her way into a marriage with the wealthy Squire Booby. Unlike Richardson’s virtuous Pamela, Shamela is revealed to be the product of an illegitimate birth, with a deceitful and opportunistic nature. The novel mocks not only Richardson’s Pamela but also other works of the time, such as Conyers Middleton’s Life of Cicero and Colley Cibber’s memoir, exposing the hypocrisy and pretentiousness in both writing and society. The story unfolds through letters between characters, with Shamela’s deceptive behavior ultimately leading to her marriage, followed by a comic revelation of her further immoral actions. Through its wit and critique, Shamela explores themes of corruption, social climbing, and the manipulation of virtue.