Charlotte Temple · Chapter
XXIII: A Man May Smile, and Smile, and Be a Villain explained
Montraville, growing closer to Julia Franklin, is tormented by his obligation to Charlotte.
What happens
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.
Themes in this chapter
Seduction and Betrayal
Belcour's false accusations and staged scene betray both Charlotte and Montraville, leading to Charlotte's ruin.
Friendship and Deception
Belcour, pretending to be Montraville's friend, deliberately deceives him to destroy Charlotte.
Consequences of Imprudence
Charlotte's earlier elopement leaves her vulnerable to false accusations and abandonment with no protector.
Characters to notice
- Charlotte Temple
Awakens to find Montraville accusing her of infidelity; she protests her innocence and clings to him, but is ultimately abandoned.
- Montraville
Struggles with his conscience over Charlotte while pursuing Julia Franklin; deceived by Belcour, he confronts Charlotte and leaves her.
- Belcour
Schemes to ruin Charlotte's reputation by lying to Montraville and staging a compromising scene in her bedroom.
- Julia Franklin
The amiable heiress whom Montraville now loves; she makes advances toward him, unaware of his entanglement with Charlotte.
- Mrs. Beauchamp
Mentioned as Charlotte's consoling friend at the chapter's opening.
Key passages
“A Man May Smile, and Smile, and Be a Villain”
A person can appear friendly while secretly being evil.
Chapter title referencing Shakespeare, foreshadowing Belcour's deceitful friendship.
“I have done with you forever!”
I am ending our relationship permanently.
Montraville's final rejection of Charlotte after being deceived by Belcour.