Charlotte Temple · Chapter
I: A Boarding School explained
Montraville and Belcour, two British officers, stop in Chichester and see Charlotte Temple leaving church with her school.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Betrayal
Montraville's calculated pursuit of Charlotte, using a bribe to enlist La Rue's help, initiates a seduction plot.
Female Virtue and Fall
Charlotte's innocence is highlighted as she is targeted by Montraville, setting the stage for her potential ruin.
Friendship and Deception
La Rue, a trusted teacher, betrays her duty for money, deceiving Charlotte and her guardians.
Characters to notice
- Montraville
A lieutenant in the army, he becomes infatuated with Charlotte after seeing her at church and schemes to meet her again.
- Belcour
Montraville's brother officer, who accompanies him and dismisses Montraville's romantic interest.
- Charlotte Temple
A young schoolgirl, now fourteen, who blushes upon seeing Montraville and receives a letter from him.
- Mademoiselle La Rue
A French teacher at the school who accepts a bribe to help Montraville arrange a meeting with Charlotte.
- Madame Du Pont
The head of the school, who leads the students from church.
Key passages
“I never think of the future, replied Montraville; but am determined to make the most of the present”
Montraville lives only for the moment, ignoring the consequences of his actions.
Reveals Montraville's reckless and impulsive character.
“I will think on her no more, said he, and turned with an intention to leave the place; but as he turned he saw the gate which led to the pleasure grounds open and two women come out”
Montraville resolves to forget Charlotte but is immediately presented with an opportunity to see her again.
Foreshadows his inability to resist temptation and the unfolding plot.