Blog #3: Reader Response to Charlotte Temple

After reading this book, I am disappointed in many of the character’s actions. I think that Montraville is horrid for abandoning Charlotte. However, I think that it is important that people, especially lovers, are honest with each other. Therefore it isn’t that I blame him for not wanting her or even for acting on that desire. He isn’t man enough to tell her himself. More importantly, there is no circumstance that proves leaving your unborn child fatherless and moneyless to be an acceptable action. This is what makes Montraville truly deplorable in my mind.

Belcour is wretched. He values nothing but himself and his own desires; this is such a lonely state to live in. I cannot begin to conceptualize what must have happened in his life to leave him so cold and selfish. I simply do not understand what he hoped to get out of many of his actions (ie: getting in Charlotte’s bed). Under normal circumstances, someone so lonely would engage my pity and understanding. But whatever circumstances caused his heartless approach to life, he genuinely embodies what I conceptualize an evil person to be and that is a choice. A purposeful decision to be evil is unforgivable under any circumstance.

I feel bad for Charlotte but unfortunately being mistreated or taken advantage of is a part of life. While I do pity her for her circumstances, I’m not drawn to completely forgive her of her mistakes. Her parents are to blame for sheltering her, however, she allowed this. Never having been independent and then making such a striking choice towards independence with no experience in the “real-world” is something she should have known better than to do.

I am disappointed in nearly every single character we meet; from not pursuing worldly knowledge to inherent evil, this book tells a disheartening tale.

Becca