Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Compare and contrast Montraville and Belcour. How are they alike, and how are they different? Do they have redeeming qualities? What are their intentions toward Charlotte? How do their fates impact the message of the book?

Analyze Charlotte’s characterization. What are her primary traits? Is she virtuous? Why does the author portray Charlotte sympathetically?

Discuss the theme of The Consequences of Seduction and Betrayal. How is Charlotte seduced and who betrays her? What consequences does Charlotte face as a result of the seduction and betrayal she experiences? What consequences do the other characters face?

Compare and contrast Charlotte and Mademoiselle La Rue. How do their personalities differ? How do their morals differ? Why does Mademoiselle La Rue seem to succeed while Charlotte struggles? Do they both find absolution before their deaths? How do you know?

Describe Charlotte’s life while she is living in the cottage under Montraville’s protection. How does her isolation impact her health and mood? How do Montraville and Belcour take advantage of Charlotte’s isolation?

Analyze the frequent use of authorial intrusions. How do the authorial intrusions impact the text? Use examples from the text to support your answer.

Using examples from the text, identify two literary devices found throughout Charlotte Temple. How are they used, and how do they influence the novel?

Assess Charlotte Temple as a Sentimental novel. Using external sources, define and describe this genre. What elements of the novel contribute to its status as a Sentimental text?