'Nan,' said she, to shew me how much they were all in her power, and to carry her insolence to the utmost heigh, 'pull of madam's shoes, and bring them to me. i have taken care of her others.' 'indeed she shan't,' said I. 'Nay,' said Nan, 'nit I mist, if my mistress bids me; so pray madam, don't hinder me.' And so, indeed, (would you believe it?) she took my shoes off; I was too much surprized to make resistance. I have not yet power to relieve my mind by my tears. I am quite stupefied! (Richardson 151-152).
Social Commentary: Throughout the text, Pamela constantly tries to escape rape from her employer, and is held captive by a Mrs. Jewkes. She is kept under lock and key, and has most of her clothing confiscated. In this scene Mrs. Jewkes orders the last pair of shoes on her feet to be taken away.
Shoes in the 18th century were quite expensive. They were also a necessity from unpaved roads or detrimental weather. Pamela's lack of shoes represent her lack of escape, and the hindering the true function of clothing in the 18th century. Freedom of movement is essential to navigating the social sphere.
Yet shoes also define the space that can be walked upon, according to McNeil and Riello: "The set of the feet and he contrast of shoe types marked a distinction in the “use” of space according to gender and class differentiation" (McNeil and Riello 180). The simple act of walking around the city represented a person's station in life, meaning the shoes were a vehicle for portraying social class in the public sphere.
Other Clothing References: "O how I wished for my grey russet again, and my poor honest dress, with which you fitted me out for going to this place, when I was not twelve years old, in my good lady's days!" (Richardson 51).
"Then I bought of a pedlar, two pretty-enough round-eared caps, a little straw hat, and a pair of knit mittens, turned up with white callico; and two pair of ordinary blue worsted hose, that make a smartish appearance with white clocks, I'll assure you!" (Richardson 51).