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Cover of A Terrible Temptation: A Story of To-Day

A Terrible Temptation: A Story of To-Day

Written by Charles Reade

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England

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About this book

"A Terrible Temptation: A Story of To-Day" by Charles Reade is a novel likely written during the late 19th century. The narrative centers around the lives of two main characters: Richard Bassett, a disinherited man burdened by familial grievances and longing for revenge against his cousin, Sir Charles Bassett, and Bella Bruce, a beautiful young woman caught between the affections of these two men. The story explores themes of love, betrayal, and social standing in a world defined by wealth and inheritance. The opening of the novel introduces us to the dynamic between Richard Bassett and Bella Bruce, establishing Richard's complicated feelings of both love and bitterness regarding his cousin, Sir Charles, who he believes has wronged him. The setting in an elegant morning-room paints a vivid backdrop for their interaction, filled with subtle tension as Richard's inner turmoil clashes with Bella's charm. As their conversation unfolds, it becomes evident that Richard is struggling with deep-seated resentment, particularly regarding his disinheritance, while Bella's gentle demeanor provides a stark contrast to his volatile emotions. The chapter sets the stage for ensuing conflicts, both romantic and personal, revealing how the characters’ lives intertwine against the backdrop of societal expectations and personal desires.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in A Terrible Temptation: A Story of To-Day, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 9 hours
  • intermediate
  • romantic
  • tense
  • melodramatic

Charles Reade's "A Terrible Temptation: A Story of To-Day" plunges into the intricate lives of Richard Bassett, a man consumed by bitterness over his disinheritance, and Bella Bruce, a charming young woman caught between Richard and his cousin, Sir Charles Bassett. The novel meticulously charts Richard's quest for revenge against Sir Charles, whom he believes has unjustly usurped his rightful inheritance, intertwining this vendetta with a complex love triangle. Set against the backdrop of late 19th-century societal norms, the narrative explores the corrosive effects of resentment and the pervasive influence of wealth and social standing on personal relationships and destiny. Ultimately, it delves into the moral dilemmas faced by its characters as they navigate love, betrayal, and the pursuit of justice in a world governed by rigid social expectations.

“"Revenge is a dish best served cold, and I have been chilling mine for years in the ice of injustice."”

Key themes

Social Standing and Inheritance
Central to the novel's conflict is the theme of social standing, inextricably linked to wealth and inheritance in Victorian society. Richard's disinheritance is not merely a financial loss but a blow to his identity and social position, fueling his desire for justice and revenge. The narrative exposes how societal structures dictate individual destinies and perpetuate grievances.
Love and Betrayal
The novel deeply explores the complexities of love, not just romantically between Bella and the two cousins, but also in the context of familial loyalty and the profound sense of betrayal Richard feels regarding his inheritance. Love is shown to be both a powerful motivator and a vulnerability, often tested by deceit and conflicting loyalties.
Revenge and Forgiveness
Richard Bassett's character is defined by his quest for revenge, a powerful and destructive force that dictates his actions and relationships. The novel explores the psychological toll of holding onto bitterness and the moral complexities of seeking vengeance. It implicitly or explicitly asks whether forgiveness is possible or even desirable in the face of perceived injustice.

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To what extent is Richard Bassett a product of his circumstances versus a perpetrator of his own downfall?

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