Charlotte Temple · Chapter
A Wedding explained
On the voyage to New York, Colonel Crayton announces his intention to marry Mademoiselle La Rue, who had previously been involved with Belcour.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Betrayal
La Rue's betrayal of her promise to Belcour and her manipulation of Crayton highlight the theme of seduction and deceit, while Charlotte's realization of her own betrayal by Montraville deepens this motif.
Female Virtue and Fall
Charlotte's shame and Mrs. Beauchamp's pity underscore the societal judgment of fallen women, contrasting La Rue's successful social ascent with Charlotte's impending ruin.
Class and Money
La Rue's marriage to Crayton represents a strategic social climb, while Charlotte's lack of protection and status leaves her vulnerable to contempt and abandonment.
Characters to notice
- Charlotte Temple
Charlotte is astonished and troubled by La Rue's impending marriage to Crayton, which forces her to reflect on her own vulnerable position with Montraville.
- Montraville
Montraville dismisses Charlotte's concerns about La Rue's marriage, calling her naive, and leaves her when she becomes upset.
- Mademoiselle La Rue
La Rue is set to marry Colonel Crayton, having deceived him about her past, and she looks down on Charlotte despite being more culpable.
- Belcour
Belcour is relieved to be rid of La Rue and cynically wishes her well, indifferent to the consequences for others.
- Mrs. Beauchamp
Mrs. Beauchamp, Crayton's daughter, meets Charlotte and pities her upon learning she is Montraville's mistress, recognizing the goodness in her heart.
- Mrs. Crayton
Colonel Crayton announces his marriage to La Rue, believing her to be a worthy woman, and warns others not to speak ill of her.
Key passages
““And am I already fallen so low?” said she. A sigh escaped her, and a tear was ready to start, but Montraville appeared, and she checked the rising emotion.”
Charlotte feels the sting of being pitied and realizes her degraded status, but suppresses her tears when Montraville arrives.
This moment captures Charlotte's dawning awareness of her social fall and her emotional suppression.
““If the world sanctifies such things, ’tis a very bad world I think,” said Charlotte. “Why, I always understood they were to have been married when they arrived at New York. I am sure mademoiselle told me Belcour promised to marry her.””
Charlotte expresses her moral confusion at La Rue's broken promise, revealing her own naive trust in the world's integrity.
Charlotte's innocence is contrasted with the cynical reality of the world around her.