Samuel Richardson Quotes
A collection of quotes by Samuel Richardson.
Samuel Richardson (1689-1761) was an English novelist and printer, hailed as one of the pioneers of the epistolary novel. Born in Derbyshire, England, Richardson was the son of a joiner. After his apprenticeship as a printer, he set up his own printing business in London, which eventually became successful.
Richardson's writing career began later in life when he penned a series of letters in response to a friend's request for moral guidance. These letters evolved into his first and most famous novel, "Pamela; or, Virtue Rewarded," published in 1740. The novel tells the story of a young servant girl's struggle against the advances of her employer and is considered one of the earliest examples of realist fiction.
Following the success of "Pamela," Richardson continued to write and published numerous novels, including "Clarissa," his most acclaimed work. "Clarissa," published in 1748, is a lengthy epistolary novel that depicts the tragic fate of the virtuous heroine. Richardson's skillful portrayal of complex characters and exploration of moral themes influenced subsequent novelists such as Jane Austen and Charles Dickens.
Samuel Richardson's writing played a significant role in shaping the development of the novel as a literary genre. His works explored themes of social class, virtue, and the role of women in society, making him an influential figure in English literature. Richardson's contributions to the epistolary novel and his insightful portrayals of human emotions ensure his legacy as a prominent writer of the 18th century.
