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Susanna Rowson, a British American novelist, poet, playwright, actress, and educator, was responsible for writing the first American best-selling novel. In 1791, Rowson published «Charlotte Temple», which held the rank of best-selling novel of all time until Harriet Beecher Stowe's «Uncle Tom's Cabin» (1852). During her lifetime, she dabbled in many genres, composing novels, poetry, plays, musical farce, a dictionary, and even an opera. Many of her works were steeped in political opinion, as her life was greatly affected by the Revolutionary War. She would eventually go on to act on the stage, and then open a boarding school for girls. «Charlotte Temple» is an example of the seduction novel genre, wildly popular in early American literature. A British schoolgirl falls victim to the overwhelming charm of a handsome soldier, moving with him to America, where he abandons her, leaving her in an incredibly compromising position.

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First published in England in 1791 and the United States in 1794, Susanna Rowson’s “Charlotte Temple” was America’s first best-selling novel. The story is an example of the seduction novel genre, which was wildly popular in early American literature and focuses on the dangers to young ladies of being seduced by unscrupulous men. In Rowson’s novel, the main character is Charlotte Temple, a lovely and naïve young British girl who falls for the overwhelming charm of a handsome soldier, Lieutenant Montraville. Charlotte believes they are in love and runs away with him to America, where he quickly grows bored with her and abandons her, leaving her pregnant, alone, disgraced, and penniless. Montraville’s callous friends help him in his seduction and abandonment of Charlotte and all those concerned with this tragic affair face the consequences of their cruel actions. “Charlotte Temple” is a cautionary tale to young ladies to protect their virtue and a warning to those who take advantage of their innocence. The novel remains a compelling and engaging glimpse into the morals and norms of early American society.

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