Charlotte Temple

by Susanna Rowson

Charlotte Temple: Frame Story 1 key example

Chapter 2
Explanation and Analysis—Family History:

Chapter 1 introduces Charlotte as Montraville is trying to seduce her, but Chapters 2 through 5 are an extended flashback describing how Charlotte's parents met, married, and raised her. Additionally, this flashback serves as a frame story for Captain Eldridge's narrative about his own tragic family life, which he introduces at the end of Chapter 2:

“My story is short,” said Mr. Eldridge, “but there are some particulars which will wring my heart barely to remember; yet to one whose offers of friendship appear so open and disinterested, I will relate every circumstance that led to my present, painful situation.[...]"