First published in England in 1791 and the United States in 1794, Susanna Rowson’s “Charlotte Temple” was America’s first best-selling novel. The story is an example of the seduction novel genre, which was wildly popular in early American literature and focuses on the dangers to young ladies of being seduced by unscrupulous men. In Rowson’s novel, the main character is Charlotte Temple, a lovely and naïve young British girl who falls for the overwhelming charm of a handsome soldier, Lieutenant Montraville. Charlotte believes they are in love and runs away with him to America, where he quickly grows bored with her and abandons her, leaving her pregnant, alone, disgraced, and penniless. Montraville’s callous friends help him in his seduction and abandonment of Charlotte and all those concerned with this tragic affair face the consequences of their cruel actions. “Charlotte Temple” is a cautionary tale to young ladies to protect their virtue and a warning to those who take advantage of their innocence. The novel remains a compelling and engaging glimpse into the morals and norms of early American society.
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