Lucy Temple

by Susanna Rowson

Lucy Temple (1828) is a novel by Susanna Rowson. Inspired in part by the author’s experiences in America―she was brought there by her father, a Royal Navy officer, and place under house arrest during the American Revolution― Lucy Temple , the sequel to her bestselling novel Charlotte Temple , fits squarely into the popular genre of the seduction novel. Alongside such works as Hannah Webster Foster’s The Coquette (1797), Rowson’s novel continues to inform scholars on the historical portrayal of women’s sexuality in English and American literature. “Such an assemblage of youth and innocence naturally attracted the young they stopped; and, as the little cavalcade passed, almost involuntarily pulled off their hats. A tall, elegant girl looked at Montraville and he instantly recollected the features of Charlotte Temple, whom he had once seen and danced with at a ball at Portsmouth.” From this brief chance encounter, so much suffering ensues. Not long after meeting her on the street, Lieutenant John Montraville seduces young Charlotte and convinces her to leave her family and friends behind to join him in the new world. There, spurred on by rumors of infidelity and harboring his own sinister motives, he soon abandons his innocent wife, leaving her alone in a country where nobody knows her name. Although her father reaches her in time to see her once more, she soon succumbs to illness and poverty, leaving a young daughter behind. Lucy Temple is a tragic story of romance and morality from a leading writer and educator of her time. With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Susanna Rowson’s Lucy Temple is a classic work of British-American literature reimagined for modern readers.

Genres: Classics

114 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1828

About the author

Susanna Rowson, née Haswell, was a British-American novelist, poet, playwright, religious writer, stage actress, and educator. She was the author of the novel Charlotte Temple--the most popular bestseller in American literature until Harriet Beecher Stowe's Uncle Tom's Cabin was published in 1852.

Reviews

[Smitha Murthy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rarely do I read an author back to back. ‘Charlotte’s Daughter’ or ‘Lucy Temple’ is the quintessential Victorian novel. As an author, Rowson takes it on herself to admonish follies and praise virtues. So, if you are thinking of eloping with your lover, then know that Rowson won’t take to it very well. Most likely, your lover will desert you and you will be left ruing the fact that you abandoned your parents’ or guardian’s wise advice for the petty lure of romantic love.

That’s pretty much what happens in this novel. You are told to obey your guardians and listen to their wisdom. Have not a thought of your own but instead bend your head and perform what society does. Hmm. This reminds me of a few women I know. Grin. Who is to say Victorian society doesn’t exist even now? It does. More than ever.

[Edward Champion · Rating 2 out of 5]

A largely worthless sequel to CHARLOTTE TEMPLE, the first ever American bestseller. There are a few interesting incestuous twists, but stylistically there's nothing especially groundbreaking here. And, of course, we still see a woman being punished for having feelings. But what do you expect from the early 19th century?

[Rosa Wichuraiana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Much more enjoyable and less overtly misogynist than the first and most popular in the Temple series, with a heroine who is surprisingly subversive of contemporary gender expectations (within the bounds of a very didactic frame). This could be read as a precursor to Little Women in the American girls' literature tradition.

[Noam · Rating 2 out of 5]

(2.5/5)

[Rebekah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not very memorable, or good. It has all the bad elements from its predecessor and it's more boring. The first novel mostly had the novelty of the historic context and its initial popularity. Without any of that, or an interesting story line, this novel was doomed to failure.

[Chrisanne · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lucy, Lucy. Thank you for your help with my MA thesis.