The novel Charlotte Temple is an example of what I believe to be a "popular novel". Charlotte Temple's appeal was born out of its solicitous plea to a generation of women who held a particular station in society. It warned them of dangers while morally evangelizing and re-emphasizing basic standards and mores that were already understood. Charlotte Temple is not considered a classic because unfortunately its significance has not been lasting in an age where morality has deteriorated and women's roles have vastly changed. However, it has remained a favorite for years through many of America's seasons, especially during eras of extreme change. Its appeal was enduring and diverse and lasting.
[...] It appears that in the emerging society of young America the communal circle of female companionship was a treasured commodity. Charlotte is abandoned, " a poor solitary being, without society . no kind friend of her own sex to whom she can embosom her grief's, no beloved mother, no woman of character will appear in my company, and low as your Charlotte is fallen, she cannot associate with infamy". Here Charlotte, was merely a "mistress" to misery. She had become what society abhorred a wearer of the letter of "robbed innocence", a kept woman. [...]
[...] Montraville lived a life of depression and guilt and LaRue, " died, a striking example that vice, however prosperous in the beginning, in the end leads only to misery and shame". The overall view of America that emerges from this novel is one of strict moral purpose. It was administered as a "Story of Truth". Charlotte Temple appealed to the emotions of a new nation. Though shocking for its time, it peppered the saucy nature of the story with didactic teaching that was instructive to all virtuous young women. [...]
[...] This is an America where parents view their daughters as "Good, grateful, affectionate girls {who} will never lose sight of the duty [they] owe her parents". In a society that fosters guilt as a means of control, this close tie between children and parents encourages youth to " do right [and] to ask the assistance of heaven that [they] may continue to deserve their love". It stands to reason that this parental oversight would bring security, the new nation, out from the covering of the "Mother Country", was experiencing fresh bumps and bruises caused by independent toddler ship. [...]
[...] Or even Julia Franklin, " the only child of a man of large property who left her independent mistress of an unencumbered income who resided in New York living the life of society and the universal toast". We see also, the country farmers' wife who comes to demand her rent asking Charlotte, " where are we to look for our money I have seven children at home, honest, lawful children and it is my duty to keep them". Then of course there was the servant merciful John, who lived in a "poor little hovel". [...]
[...] In addition, the novel was relatable because it portrayed the story of a journey, a crossing of a large ocean from pastoral England into a foreign and hostile environment. Montraville like America beckoned fair Charlotte to the shores of freedom and independence, but upon arrival only found pain and hardship. Charlotte found herself in a new land, placed by Montraville, " in a small house a few miles from New York: he gave her one female attendant, and supplied her with what money she wanted; but business and pleasure so entirely occupied his time, that he had little to devote to the woman, whom he had brought from all her connections, and robbed of innocence". [...]
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