Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Sentimentalism was an American literary movement that took place during the late 1700s and early 1800s. Sentimental literature, which was partly inspired by popular British novels in the 18th century, incorporated traditional Christian values and idealized domesticity. Many sentimental novels feature young female protagonists who experience challenges to their morality. Such novels were written to evoke emotional responses, and they emphasized relevant issues in society. Sentimental literature is associated with American female authors, including Rowson, Harriet Beech Stowe, and Susan B. Warner, although several male authors contributed to the literary movement, such as Walt Whitman (Samuels, Shirley. “Sentimentalism and Domestic Fiction.” Oxford Biographies, 2022).

Charlotte Temple meets many of the benchmarks of American Sentimentalist literature. The protagonist is a 15-year-old upper-middle-class girl who is faced with a moral choice—follow the man she loves to the United States and get married, or break from Montraville and remain obedient and loyal to her family. Charlotte’s dilemma is complicated by the presence of Mademoiselle La Rue, who encourages Charlotte to elope. Charlotte’s parents represent ideal domesticity; Mr. Temple secured the love of Lucy through generously freeing her father, and they live a modest, happy life.