Critics praise Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth by Susanna Rowson for its emotional depth and moral lessons, highlighting its importance in early American literature. However, some criticize its melodramatic style and predictability. Overall, it remains a significant, albeit dated, work that offers insight into historical gender norms and societal expectations.

Fans of early American literature, sentimental novels, and moral tales will enjoy Susanna Rowson's Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth. Similar readers might appreciate works like Samuel Richardson's Pamela or Aphra Behn's Oroonoko. This novel appeals to those interested in themes of virtue, seduction, and the societal expectations of women in the 18th century.

In Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth by Susanna Rowson, the 15-year-old Charlotte Temple leaves her family to follow a soldier to the United States, who promises to marry her but ultimately betrays her, leading to her tragic downfall. The story is a cautionary tale depicting the consequences of naivety and trust in unworthy individuals. The book contains depictions of violence and suicidal ideation.

Melancholic / Contemplative / Bittersweet / Emotional / Unnerving

- Charlotte Temple was the first American novel to become a bestseller and remained the bestselling American novel until Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin.
- Despite being published in 1791, Charlotte Temple was written by Susanna Rowson while she was experiencing financial difficulties after emigrating from England to the United States.
- The novel's popularity was so enduring that it inspired a sequel, Charlotte's Daughter, or, The Three Orphans, published posthumously in 1828.

Susanna Rowson

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Summary

Background

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Background

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-15

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Chapters 8-15 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 16-22

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Chapters 16-22 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 23-29

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Chapters 23-29 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 30-35

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Chapters 30-35 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Character Analysis

theme

Themes

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth Essay Topics

Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read Charlotte Temple: A Tale of Truth?

Reading Age

Book Details