Richard Temple (novel)

Richard Temple is an unfinished novel by Charlotte Brontë, written circa 1839, during her time working as a governess. The manuscript, existing in fragments, offers insight into Brontë's early literary development and the themes that would later permeate her more famous works.

The narrative centers on the titular character, Richard Temple, a young man employed as a tutor. While the plot remains incomplete, discernible elements involve themes of social class, moral conflict, and unrequited love. Temple's experiences as a tutor, navigating the complexities of Victorian society and the expectations placed upon him, appear to be a central concern. Fragments suggest an exploration of the power dynamics inherent in the governess/tutor position and the potential for both personal growth and moral compromise.

The novel is notable for its glimpses into Brontë's evolving writing style and her experimentation with character development. Although never completed or published during her lifetime, "Richard Temple" is considered a valuable piece of Brontë scholarship, shedding light on the formative stages of her literary career and the origins of ideas explored in later novels like Jane Eyre. The fragments are held in collections of her manuscripts and have been the subject of academic analysis and interpretation.