Pamela’s signifying signs and gestures: A semiotic analysis

Abstract

In this paper, the feminine character of Pamela is explored throughout the epistolary novel. One is concerned with how Pamela’s constructed character as a female figure is represented with language and action, rather than adopting a defending position of the suppressed females in the 18^th century. Pamela’s politeness and indirectness in her letters are aspects of her virtue and femininity. However, her language and use of specific politeness strategies, can also be considered a way of manipulating Mr B. Through her voice, there is be a kind of gradual unity of the female and male voices. Pamela is a representative of a doubled voice, exhibiting both of her inner and outer femininity. In this study, Pamela’s language is analysed using Julia Kirteva’s concept of semiotics.

Keywords: Semiotics, Pamela, sign language, verbal language, femininity