Charlotte Temple · Chapters

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Chapter companions for Charlotte Temple by Susanna Haswell Rowson.

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Chapter 1
Epigraph
The epigraph introduces Charlotte Temple as a beloved only child, beautiful and virtuous, but foreshadows her ruin by a cruel seducer.
Chapter 2
The Author's Preface
The author explains that this tale is based on a true story told by an old lady who knew Charlotte Temple, though names and places have been changed. She hopes the story will serve as a warning to young, thoughtless women and protect them from the dangers of seduction and betrayal, as well as comfort anxious parents.
Chapter 3
Charlotte Temple
The opening of the novel introduces the reader to the story of Charlotte Temple, a young girl whose tragic fate is set in motion by seduction and betrayal. The narrative establishes the themes of virtue, parental love, and the consequences of imprudence, as Charlotte is led astray by Montraville with the help of Mademoiselle La Rue.
Chapter 4
I: A Boarding School
Montraville and Belcour, two British officers, stop in Chichester and see Charlotte Temple leaving church with her school. Montraville, captivated by her beauty, resolves to pursue her. He returns to the school grounds, where he encounters Charlotte and her French teacher, Mademoiselle La Rue. He gives Charlotte a letter and bribes La Rue to arrange another meeting.
Chapter 5
II: Domestic Concerns
Mr. Temple, a younger son of a nobleman, chooses to marry for love and live within his modest means rather than sacrifice happiness for status. His benevolent nature leads him to visit Captain Eldridge in the Fleet Prison, where he meets the captain and his daughter Lucy. Moved by their plight, Temple resolves to help secure Eldridge's release.

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Epigraph

The Author's Preface

Charlotte Temple

I: A Boarding School

II: Domestic Concerns