Blog for Nov. 22 on Novels in Early British North America

Dear Ms. Elizabeth Barnes,

Your section on novels was interesting and thoughtful. I especially enjoyed your points about "the difference between seduction and education" in early American novels (444). And definitely, Charlotte Temple is the best example of a seduction novel. However, what I don't agree with is your claim that the character Charlotte Temple's "death in America confirmed her as an American" (449). There is nothing about Charlotte that speaks to the American dream of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. She is a reluctant American, at best. She doesn't want to be in America nor does she want to associate with Americans. All she does is stay in her little cottage and wait for Montraville or Belcour to come and visit her. The only "work" she does in America is grow Montraville's baby inside her uterus. The real Americans in the story are Julia Franklin and Montraville. A re-examination of the text shows us that they are the ones who live the American Dream and leave their mark on America.

First of all, Julia Franklin wins Montraville's hand in marriage due to her superior qualities and independent fortune. The text tells us that Julia is:
"the very reverse of Charlotte Temple: she was tall, elegantly shaped, and possessed much of the air and manner of a woman of fashion; her complexion was a clear brown, enlivened with the glow of health, her eyes, full, black, and sparkling, darted their intelligent glances through long silken lashes; her hair was shining brown, and her features regular and striking; there was an air of innocent gaiety that played about her countenance, where good humour sat triumphant."

Such a physical description shows us that she is the model American female. Rowson's description of her as “brown” may indicate she has indigenous ancestry – or it may merely say she is a solid and sensible brunette, as opposed to the flighty blond Charlotte. Furthermore, one only has to look at early images of Lady Liberty to see the resemblance to Julia Franklin.

Also, the fact that her surname is Franklin, reminiscent of a Founding Father, Benjamin Franklin, automatically imbues her with an American identity. Her first name, Julia, according to www.thinkbabynames.com, “is of Latin origin, and the meaning of Julia is 'youthful; Jove's child.' Feminine form of Julius. Used among the early Christians, but rare in the Middle Ages.” Her name also sounds like jewel, which connotes treasured or precious. This meaning is illustrated in a scene when the Franklin's house is on fire and Julia's uncle entrusts the family jewels to Montraville (before he is introduced to the family). Montraville returns the jewels and earns Julia's affection as a result. In marked contrast, Charlotte has no jewels, (she has already given Montraville her only treasure --her virginity) and no cash or wealth of any kind. She costs Montraville money. She is a passive character who is always fainting or crying. She is easily led by Madame LaRue, Montraville, and Belcour, and she disobeys her parents by eloping with a soldier for America.

Montraville becomes the other true American in the story because of connections and exchanges with Americans in the story. His relationship with Julia, the archetypal American woman, becomes an exchange with their marriage. He gains her fortune and connections to the upper-classes in New York and she gains respectability as a married woman. Montraville, though callous in his treatment of Charlotte, spurns her when he believes she is unfaithful and clings to Julia because she is. Montraville chooses a woman who is virtuous and honorable, the ideal Republican mother for his children, Julia Franklin. The closing scenes of the novel, in which Montravill mourns Charlotte's death, further show that he is a man of sympathy and remorse, allowing American readers to empathize and sympathize with him. These reasons show why he and Julia are the Americans – they go on to live and build up America.

I am sorry Ms Barnes, but the tragic death scene in New York is not enough to warrant Charlotte's citizenship (sentimental or otherwise) in the USA. Even though she has a grave in Trinity churchyard in Lower Manhattan, the grave is empty!Charlotte Temple is only a ghost, a mere phantasm, while Julia Franklin is the embodiment of Liberty, who tames a rakish Englishman with a French name into becoming a model husband and father (as shown in the sequel, Lucy Temple) -- indeed, a model American male.

Very truly yours,
Larisa Asaeli, a lady of Fort Worth

For more about Charlotte Temple's grave:
http://www.nytimes.com/2008/12/13/nyregion/13trinity.html