The American novels Charlotte Temple and The Scarlet Letter are similar in many ways. Some of the most obvious are that both novels revolve around the lives of ruined women. At Charlotte Temple, Charlotte is seduced by the charming soldier John Montraville, who single-handedly manages to tarnish her reputation leaving her a young, pregnant outcast. Hester Prynne also suffers public humiliation for her actions with Arthur Dimmesdale. However, these women are greatly influenced by the men in their lives, who are a large part of the cause of their problems. In both Charlotte's and Hester's stories, there are men who contribute to their downfall. Charlotte is easily convinced by Montraville because she is so young and naive. However, Hester is stronger and is more aware of her actions. Charlotte is the example of what a woman should not do, but Hester is the example of what a woman should do if she finds herself in that situation. This is the main difference between these two characters. Rowson wrote Charlotte Temple more as a cautionary tale for girls. She uses Charlotte to define the "typical girl." Hester also becomes a cautionary tale to women, the "A" she wears a visible reminder of what she has done. Both are filled with shame and there is nothing else but to be accepted into their society again, however, they are shunned while their male counterparts remain unscathed. Charlotte Temple's gallant Montraville enters the novel and alters Charlotte's world. First he takes on the role of womanizer, in which he seduces the young girl, reassuring her that he will take care of her and never leave her. However, he becomes bored with her and after flying her from England to America, he... middle of paper ....... In The Scarlet Letter, Dimmsdale finally confesses at the end, but people keep him still in high regard. They consider him a saintly member of society, even though he sat idly by while Hester was ridiculed and shunned. They stained the lives of Charlotte and Hester, they also affected the lives of their daughters. Both Lucy and Pearl grow up without knowing their fathers. This shows how a serious mistake can change the lives of many. What is unfair in both of these novels is the fact that men do not have to suffer as much as these destitute women. Both women change by the end of the book, Hester is only a mere sketch of what she was, while Charlotte is no longer young and naive. Men, according to society, have done nothing wrong and can continue to live their lives only with a guilty conscience.