# XXX: “Friendship a Name” explained — Charlotte Temple

> Chapter companion for Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.

## What happens

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.

## Themes in this chapter

### Friendship and Deception

The chapter's title and opening poem question the true nature of friendship, as Charlotte's former companion La Rue (now Mrs. Crayton) is the one she turns to in desperation.

### Consequences of Imprudence

Charlotte's dire situation—penniless, pregnant, and abandoned—is the direct result of her earlier rash elopement with Montraville.

### Class and Money

Charlotte's poverty and lack of resources force her to beg for charity from Mrs. Crayton, highlighting the class divide and the precariousness of women without means.

## Character check-ins

### Charlotte Temple

Charlotte writes a desperate letter to Mrs. Crayton and ventures into the snow to seek aid, learning of Montraville's marriage to Julia Franklin.

### Mrs. Crayton

Charlotte addresses her letter to Mrs. Crayton, hoping for relief and shelter.

### Montraville

Mentioned as having married Julia Franklin, confirming his abandonment of Charlotte.

### Julia Franklin

Reported by a soldier to have married Montraville, and is remembered fondly by the poor.

### Mrs. Beauchamp

Mentioned as a potential source of comfort had she been present, but she is away.

## Key lines

> And what is friendship but a name, A charm that lulls to sleep, A shade that follows wealth and fame, But leaves the wretch to weep.

The poem suggests that friendship is merely an illusion that comforts the wealthy but abandons the poor in their time of need.

_The epigraph sets the chapter's theme of false friendship and betrayal._

> I ask not to be received as an intimate or an equal; only for charity’s sweet sake, receive me into your hospitable mansion, allot me the meanest apartment in it, and let me breathe out my soul in prayers for your happiness

Charlotte humbly begs for any shelter, no matter how humble, and promises only to pray for Mrs. Crayton's happiness in return.

_Charlotte's letter reveals her complete desperation and loss of social standing._

> Gracious Heaven! cried Charlotte, is Montraville unjust then to none but me?

Charlotte exclaims in anguish upon learning that Montraville has married Julia Franklin, realizing she alone was treated cruelly.

_This moment deepens Charlotte's sense of betrayal and isolation._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters/volume-ii-xxx-friendship-a-name
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/charlotte_temple_se/chapters