Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Letters are a motif that tracks Charlotte’s unfortunate circumstances of seduction, isolation, and repentance. The first letter Montraville gives to Charlotte represents seduction. The letter is filled with compliments and declarations of love, and the more Charlotte peruses the sentiments, the deeper her feelings for Montraville become.

Both Montraville and Belcour interfere with Charlotte’s letters to her family. Although Montraville encourages Charlotte to write to her family to tell them she is safe, he destroys the letter without sending it: “Montraville knew too well the consequences that must unavoidably ensue should this letter reach Mr. Temple; he, therefore, craftily resolved to walk on the deck, tear it to pieces, and commit the fragments to the care of Neptune” (112). This keeps Charlotte isolated from her family and prevents them from saving her. In a conversation with Mrs. Beauchamp, Charlotte reveals she has written multiple letters to her family and has never heard back from them, meaning Montraville has continued to destroy Charlotte’s letters. Belcour, after Montraville leaves, intervenes in Charlotte’s incoming and outgoing mail. The obstruction of Charlotte’s letters develops The Consequences of Seduction and Betrayal by demonstrating isolation as a major consequence of her circumstances.