Although Charlotte Temple was released in the late 18th century there are many themes that still hold true to this day. Throughout the novel, one will recognize such themes that still seem to be a prevalent problem within our country and our own social expectations and normality’s nearly 230 years later. Charlotte Temple touches on themes such as the mobility of a military family in the ever-changing world as well as that of marrying for money or self-fulfilling needs alone. Yet, some of the greatest themes such as the shrewdness of a sexually driven male, seduction, as well as inner contentment point out the flaws of society in regards to sexism that still hold true to our present American culture. One of the first themes that will stick
…show more content…
Montraville initially bribes Mademoiselle La Rue just to allow him to continue pursuing Charlotte towards the beginning of our story still holding true that even 230 years ago men were still willingly spending money in order to pursue and fulfill sexual desires. Also, Belcour not only frames Charlotte for cheating on Montraville with himself, but also decides to keep all money from Charlotte that is rightfully hers so as to make her financially independent upon him. However, even Charlotte and Mademoiselle La Rue are not innocent of abstaining from giving into their inner desires. Mademoiselle La Rue continuously pursues the glamourous lifestyle of endless riches as well as eventually becoming one of the most popular housewives in town. Charlotte also gives into her own temptation in the manner of leaving her home country in order to gain financial security and love from a British officer that has no intentions of actually marrying her to do her social and economic status. However, we do see a slight change in his character as even though Montraville is quickly infatuated with Ms. Franklin even though he refuses to “leave” Charlotte for her. "What am I about? ... Though I cannot marry Charlotte, I cannot be villain enough to forsake her, nor must I dare to trifle with the heart of Julia Franklin. I will return this box ... which has been the source of so much …show more content…
Although one may say that Charlotte brought about her own demise as well as passing due to her following a man to America away from her family, it should be apparent that Charlotte is still a victim in these circumstances. Even though Montraville refuses to leave his wife as he is infatuated with someone else, he does not hesitate to leave Charlotte when he finds her and Belcour in the same bed together. Montraville also seems to put most of the blame on Charlotte as if it was only her fault. He continues to participate in his friendship with Belcour to the point where Belcour is entrusted with the funds in order to support Charlotte as well as an upcoming baby. One may also see this instance in the introduction of “mistresses” as well as the pursuit of women by men using any means possible to fulfill their own sexual and socio-economic desires. Once again, money plays a factor in aiding men who are higher in the eyes of society in obtaining sexual satisfaction from women who are viewed as lower on the totem pole per say. However, is that any different than how women are viewed in our culture today? A culture where a man now feels he has the right to satisfaction no matter the price or psychological toll on a woman? Once again, Charlotte
Montraville initially bribes Mademoiselle La Rue just to allow him to continue pursuing Charlotte towards the beginning of our story still holding true that even 230 years ago men were still willingly spending money in order to pursue and fulfill sexual desires. Also, Belcour not only frames Charlotte for cheating on Montraville with himself, but also decides to keep all money from Charlotte that is rightfully hers so as to make her financially independent upon him. However, even Charlotte and Mademoiselle La Rue are not innocent of abstaining from giving into their inner desires. Mademoiselle La Rue continuously pursues the glamourous lifestyle of endless riches as well as eventually becoming one of the most popular housewives in town. Charlotte also gives into her own temptation in the manner of leaving her home country in order to gain financial security and love from a British officer that has no intentions of actually marrying her to do her social and economic status. However, we do see a slight change in his character as even though Montraville is quickly infatuated with Ms. Franklin even though he refuses to “leave” Charlotte for her. "What am I about? ... Though I cannot marry Charlotte, I cannot be villain enough to forsake her, nor must I dare to trifle with the heart of Julia Franklin. I will return this box ... which has been the source of so much …show more content…
Although one may say that Charlotte brought about her own demise as well as passing due to her following a man to America away from her family, it should be apparent that Charlotte is still a victim in these circumstances. Even though Montraville refuses to leave his wife as he is infatuated with someone else, he does not hesitate to leave Charlotte when he finds her and Belcour in the same bed together. Montraville also seems to put most of the blame on Charlotte as if it was only her fault. He continues to participate in his friendship with Belcour to the point where Belcour is entrusted with the funds in order to support Charlotte as well as an upcoming baby. One may also see this instance in the introduction of “mistresses” as well as the pursuit of women by men using any means possible to fulfill their own sexual and socio-economic desires. Once again, money plays a factor in aiding men who are higher in the eyes of society in obtaining sexual satisfaction from women who are viewed as lower on the totem pole per say. However, is that any different than how women are viewed in our culture today? A culture where a man now feels he has the right to satisfaction no matter the price or psychological toll on a woman? Once again, Charlotte