Charlotte Temple · Chapters
Chapters explained
Chapter companions for Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.
Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph introduces Charlotte Temple as a beloved only child, beautiful and virtuous, but foreshadows her ruin by a cruel seducer.
Chapter 2
The Author's Preface
The author explains that this tale is based on a true story told by an old lady who knew Charlotte Temple, though names and places have been changed. She hopes the story will serve as a warning to young, thoughtless women and protect them from the dangers of seduction and betrayal, as well as comfort anxious parents.
Chapter 3
Charlotte Temple
The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the story of Charlotte Temple, a young girl whose tragic fate is set in motion by seduction and betrayal. The narrative establishes the themes of virtue, parental love, and the consequences of imprudence, as Charlotte is led astray by Montraville with the help of Mademoiselle La Rue.
Chapter 4
I: A Boarding School
Montraville and Belcour, two British officers, stop in Chichester and see Charlotte Temple leaving church with her school. Montraville, captivated by her beauty, resolves to pursue her. He returns to the school grounds, where he encounters Charlotte and her French teacher, Mademoiselle La Rue. He gives Charlotte a letter and bribes La Rue to arrange another meeting.
Chapter 5
II: Domestic Concerns
Mr. Temple, a younger son of a nobleman, chooses to marry for love and live within his modest means rather than sacrifice happiness for status. His benevolent nature leads him to visit Captain Eldridge in the Fleet Prison, where he meets the captain and his daughter Lucy. Moved by their plight, Temple resolves to help secure Eldridge's release.
Chapter 6
III: Unexpected Misfortunes
Mr. Eldridge recounts his past misfortunes: his son George's friendship with a wealthy Mr. Lewis, Lewis's advances toward Lucy Eldridge, and the financial ruin that followed when Lewis demanded repayment of a loan. Eldridge was imprisoned, his wife fell ill, and George challenged Lewis to a duel after Lewis insulted the family. Eldridge fell into a fever and delirium, and upon waking learned that both his wife and son had died, leaving only Lucy by his side.
Chapter 7
IV: Change of Fortune
Mr. Temple meets the impoverished Lieutenant Eldridge in prison and, moved by the plight of Eldridge and his daughter Lucy, mortgages part of his fortune to secure Eldridge's release. Temple's father confronts him about his frequent visits to Lucy, suspecting romantic attachment, and pressures him to marry the wealthy Miss Weatherby instead. Temple is left stunned and conflicted between duty and affection.
Chapter 8
Such Things Are
This chapter describes Miss Weatherby, a spoiled heiress, and her pursuit of Henry Temple. Temple refuses her because he loves Lucy Eldridge, leading to his disinheritance by his father. Miss Weatherby then marries Temple's father, the Earl, out of spite. Temple, Lucy, and her father retire to a simple, happy cottage life, where they live in contentment and raise Charlotte Temple.
Chapter 9
An Intriguing Teacher
Mademoiselle La Rue, a teacher at Madame Du Pont's school with a scandalous past, uses her influence to bring Charlotte Temple to a clandestine meeting with Montraville. Charlotte is initially disgusted by the company but becomes intrigued by Montraville's letter and military charm, setting the stage for her seduction.
Chapter 10
VII: Natural Sense of Propriety Inherent in the Female Bosom
Charlotte returns from an evening outing with Mademoiselle La Rue, feeling uneasy about the impropriety of their actions. La Rue manipulates Charlotte's guilt and curiosity, persuading her to read a letter from Montraville despite her initial resistance. By playing on Charlotte's emotions and fears, La Rue successfully arranges a secret meeting for the following evening.
Chapter 11
VIII: Domestic Pleasures Planned
Mrs. Temple proposes a birthday celebration for Charlotte, planning a fanciful alcove party with friends, fruit, music, and dancing. Mr. Temple initially objects but is won over by his wife's affectionate and dutiful demeanor. The chapter then reflects on the nature of true contentment versus worldly pleasure, praising domestic virtue and filial piety.
Chapter 12
IX: We Know Not What a Day May Bring Forth
Charlotte struggles with her conscience the day before her secret meeting with Montraville. She considers confessing to her governess but fears the consequences for Mademoiselle La Rue. Despite resolving to end the correspondence, she reads Montraville's letter repeatedly and finds herself drawn to the meeting. That evening, she and La Rue meet Montraville and Belcour. Montraville is tender and persuasive, while Belcour is described as selfish and dissolute. Charlotte's resolve weakens, and she agrees to see Montraville once more.
Chapter 13
X: When We Have Excited Curiosity, It Is but an Act of Good Nature to Gratify It
Montraville recalls his father's stern advice against precipitate marriage and the importance of financial independence. Before meeting Charlotte, he instructs Belcour to inquire about her fortune through Mademoiselle La Rue, learning that Charlotte's dowry is uncertain and that Mr. Temple would likely disapprove of the match. Despite this, Montraville does not examine his own intentions in continuing the acquaintance.
Chapter 14
XI: Conflict of Love and Duty
Charlotte continues to meet Montraville nightly, torn between her love for him and her duty to her parents. Montraville manipulates her emotions, claiming she does not truly love him if she will not elope. With the encouragement of Belcour and Mademoiselle La Rue, Charlotte reluctantly agrees to elope the next evening, despite her deep misgivings and the anguish of betraying her family.
Chapter 15
XII: “How Thou Art Fall’n!”
Charlotte receives a loving letter from her mother inviting her home for her birthday, which momentarily strengthens her resolve to abandon her plan to elope. However, Mademoiselle La Rue manipulates her with arguments about shame, lost reputation, and Montraville's potential despair, ultimately persuading her to go to the assignation. There, Montraville's passionate pleas overwhelm her wavering resolution, and he lifts her into the chaise as she cries out for her parents, sealing her fall.
Chapter 16
XIII: Cruel Disappointment
Mr. Eldridge arrives at the school to collect Charlotte for a visit, but she and Mademoiselle La Rue are missing. After a frantic search, a note reveals that Charlotte has eloped with a man (Montraville) under La Rue's influence, devastating Mr. Eldridge.
Chapter 17
XIV: Maternal Sorrow
Mr. Eldridge returns home to inform Mr. and Mrs. Temple of Charlotte's elopement. Mrs. Temple, initially fearing her daughter is dead, learns the truth and collapses in grief, praying that Charlotte may not become a mother and suffer as she does. The chapter closes with a direct appeal to young readers to honor their mothers.
Chapter 18
XV: Embarkation
Charlotte Temple, supported by Mademoiselle La Rue and Montraville, travels from Chichester to Portsmouth and boards a ship bound for America. She writes a heartfelt letter to her parents begging for forgiveness, but Montraville destroys it. The fleet sets sail before she can receive a reply. Meanwhile, her parents search for her in vain, and Mrs. Temple resolves to bear her grief with piety and fortitude for the sake of her husband and father.
Chapter 19
XVI: Necessary Digression
During the voyage to America, La Rue successfully ensnares Colonel Crayton, securing a promise of marriage, while Belcour grows disgusted with La Rue's artifice and becomes attracted to the gentle, unsuspecting Charlotte. The chapter reflects on how a woman who yields to illicit love loses all respect in the eyes of men, even those who seduced her.
Chapter 20
A Wedding
On the voyage to New York, Colonel Crayton announces his intention to marry Mademoiselle La Rue, who had previously been involved with Belcour. Charlotte is shocked by this betrayal and begins to realize the precariousness of her own situation with Montraville. After landing, Crayton introduces La Rue to his daughter, Mrs. Beauchamp, as an old friend, and Mrs. Beauchamp expresses pity for Charlotte upon learning she is Montraville's mistress.
Chapter 21
XVIII: Reflections
Charlotte laments her fallen state, feeling isolated and pitied. Montraville visits her infrequently, leaving her to suffer from loneliness and regret. The chapter reflects on the plight of seduced women, contrasting their suffering with that of neglected wives, and calls for compassion rather than scorn.
Chapter 22
XIX: A Mistake Discovered
Montraville meets Julia Franklin after returning a box of jewels he saved from a fire. He is charmed by her wit and elegance, and begins to question his attachment to Charlotte. He visits Charlotte, but his guilt and conflicted feelings prevent him from being honest.
Chapter 23
XX: Virtue—When Most Amiable
Charlotte awakens to find Montraville gone and a note from him that speaks only of 'unalterable friendship,' leaving her devastated. Belcour visits and plants seeds of jealousy in her heart. Meanwhile, Mrs. Beauchamp, moved by Charlotte's solitary and sorrowful state, resolves to offer her friendship and compassion despite societal scorn.
Chapter 24
Another's Woe
Mrs. Beauchamp visits Charlotte, offering friendship and comfort. Charlotte confesses her tragic story and her desire to return to her parents, but fears they have disowned her. Mrs. Beauchamp promises to help send a letter to England and encourages her to hope.
Chapter 25
XXII: Sorrows of the Heart
Charlotte, overwhelmed by guilt and sorrow, attempts to write to her parents but is initially too distraught. After resting, she composes a heartfelt letter to her mother confessing her regret, revealing that she was deceived by Montraville and encouraged by a false friend, and disclosing her pregnancy. She begs for forgiveness and protection for her unborn child, fearing she has been cast off forever.
Chapter 26
XXIII: A Man May Smile, and Smile, and Be a Villain
Montraville, growing closer to Julia Franklin, is tormented by his obligation to Charlotte. Belcour falsely convinces him that Charlotte has been unfaithful. When Montraville later finds Belcour in Charlotte's bedroom, he believes the lie, rejects Charlotte's pleas of innocence, and abandons her forever.
Chapter 27
Mystery Developed
Belcour deliberately lies beside the sleeping Charlotte to make Montraville believe she has been unfaithful. Montraville discovers them, spurns Charlotte, and leaves her distraught. Belcour then bribes the servant to intercept any letters Charlotte might write. Later, Montraville confesses to Belcour that he now loves Julia Franklin and regrets seducing Charlotte. He walks with Julia in the evening, hinting at his unworthiness, while Julia shows her affection for him.
Chapter 28
XXV: Reception of a Letter
Mr. and Mrs. Temple, grieving over their lost daughter Charlotte, receive a letter from her expressing penitence and a desire to return home. They forgive her and decide that Mr. Temple will travel to New York to bring her back, while Mrs. Temple writes a tender letter of consolation.
Chapter 29
XXVI: What Might Be Expected
Montraville, increasingly enamored of Julia Franklin and convinced of Charlotte's infidelity, decides to marry Julia. He entrusts Belcour with money for Charlotte's support and a farewell letter urging her to return to virtue, but Belcour secretly intends to ruin Charlotte further. Montraville writes a remorseful letter to Charlotte, then marries Julia and departs for St. Eustatia.
Chapter 30
XXVII: “Like a Fair Lily”
Charlotte, abandoned by Montraville for nearly three months, languishes in solitude and despair. Belcour visits, feigning friendship while harboring lustful intentions. He cruelly informs her that Montraville has married Julia Franklin and sailed for Eustatia. Charlotte collapses in a faint, falls into a fever, and is eventually abandoned by Belcour, who leaves her to die in poverty and sickness.
Chapter 31
XXVIII: A Trifling Retrospect
The author addresses the reader directly, defending the moral purpose of the tale against a hypothetical young critic who finds the story tedious. The author contrasts Charlotte's tragic fate with La Rue's (now Mrs. Crayton) worldly success, arguing that La Rue's prosperity is temporary and that her eventual fall will be bitter, while Charlotte's suffering leads to purification and eternal reward. The chapter then follows Mrs. Crayton's life of dissipation and her affair with a young ensign named Corydon, highlighting her indifference to Charlotte's plight.
Chapter 32
XXIX: We Go Forward Again
Charlotte begins to recover physically but remains deeply depressed. She discovers she has only one guinea left and is in debt. Her hopes of hearing from her parents are dashed after four months without a reply. A farmer's wife arrives demanding rent, berates Charlotte as a harlot, and threatens to evict her that night.
Chapter 33
XXX: “Friendship a Name”
Charlotte, abandoned and destitute, resolves to seek help from Mrs. Crayton in New York. She writes a desperate letter pleading for shelter and compassion, then sets out in the snow despite her frail condition. Upon reaching the city, a soldier informs her that Montraville has married Julia Franklin, deepening her despair. She arrives at Colonel Crayton's door with a beating heart.
Chapter 34
Subject Continued
Charlotte, desperate and near death, seeks shelter from Mrs. Crayton, who coldly denies knowing her and refuses help. After collapsing, a compassionate servant takes her to his home, where she gives birth to a daughter and lapses into madness.
Chapter 35
Reasons Why and Wherefore
This chapter explains Mrs. Crayton's refusal to help Charlotte, driven by fear that her own role in Charlotte's elopement would be exposed to her husband. Meanwhile, Charlotte, now delirious and near death, is cared for by a poor family. A humane surgeon, seeing her need, resolves to seek aid from Mrs. Beauchamp, who immediately agrees to visit the dying girl.
Chapter 36
XXXIII: Which People Void of Feeling Need Not Read
Mrs. Beauchamp visits the dying Charlotte Temple, who is in a state of extreme poverty and illness. Charlotte, delirious at first, later regains clarity, repents her sins, and expresses concern for her infant. Mr. Temple arrives, and they share a heartbreaking reunion before Charlotte dies in her father's arms.
Chapter 37
Retribution
Montraville returns to New York and seeks news of Charlotte from Belcour, who is evasive. He discovers that Charlotte has been abandoned, impoverished, and driven mad, and he arrives at her funeral just as she is being buried. He confronts Mr. Temple, who forgives him but leaves him to his guilt. Montraville then kills Belcour in a duel, falls ill with delirium, and is nursed back to health by his wife Julia, but remains haunted by melancholy for the rest of his life.
Chapter 38
Conclusion
Mr. Temple returns to England with his wife and granddaughter, Lucy. Ten years later, while in London, they encounter a destitute and repentant Mrs. Crayton, who confesses her role in Charlotte's ruin. Despite their grief, the Temples show her mercy, securing her admission to an hospital where she dies, a testament to the ultimate misery of vice.
Chapter 39
Endnotes
The endnotes provide editorial commentary on the text of Charlotte Temple, clarifying sources of quoted lines, historical context of locations like Fleet Prison, and biographical details of real-life figures such as Colonel Montrésor and Colonel Blakeney. They also discuss textual variations, the identification of Charlotte's house in New York, and connections to the sequel Lucy Temple.
