Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Since Charlotte Temple is a cautionary tale about the social dangers faced by young women, The Consequences of Seduction and Betrayal is a major theme. As a result of her own seduction and betrayal, Charlotte experiences social isolation, poor health, low self-esteem, and finally death. However, nearly every major character in the novel is affected by seduction and betrayal. Mr. Lewis attempts to seduce Charlotte’s mother, Lucy, when she is a girl, and when she tells her family, Mr. Lewis retaliates, which results in her father’s imprisonment and her mother and brother’s deaths. Colonel Crayton is another character who faces the consequences of seduction when he is duped into marrying Mademoiselle La Rue, who betrays him through her immoral behavior and infidelity. Although he does not suffer nearly as much as Lucy or Charlotte, his story demonstrates that the effects of seduction and betrayal are far-reaching.

Other characters suffer indirectly. Lucy, Mr. Temple, and Eldridge are plunged into grief when their beloved Charlotte is taken to the United States and again when she dies. Mrs. Beauchamp, too, suffers from her friend’s death, and she deals with frustration and disappointment when her father becomes distant after marrying Mademoiselle La Rue.