# XXIII: A Man May Smile, and Smile, and Be a Villain explained — Charlotte Temple

> Chapter companion for Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.

## 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.

## Character check-ins

### 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 lines

> 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._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxiii-a-man-may-smile-and-smile-and-be-a-villain
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters