Hannah Webster Foster's The Coquette is lauded for its insightful commentary on 18th-century social norms and the constraints faced by women. Its epistolary format, however, may challenge some readers. The protagonist's depth and the moral dilemmas presented are compelling, though the pacing can feel slow. Overall, it's a thought-provoking exploration of freedom and societal expectations.

An ideal reader for The Coquette by Hannah Webster Foster is someone who enjoys early American literature, particularly works exploring themes of gender, society, and morality. Fans of The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne and Pride and Prejudice by Jane Austen will find its epistolary style and exploration of women's choices appealing.

The Coquette, authored by Hannah Webster Foster and published anonymously in 1797, is an epistolary novel that tells the story of Eliza Wharton, a young socialite torn between two suitors: the dependable Reverend Boyer and the charming but deceitful Major Sanford. Despite advice to pursue a virtuous and stable path, Eliza's fascination with Sanford leads her on a downcast trajectory that illustrates the perils of succumbing to seduction and straying from societal morals.

Melancholic / Mysterious / Bittersweet / Contemplative / Romantic

- The Coquette is one of the earliest American novels, published anonymously in 1797 by Hannah Webster Foster, who initially was not widely recognized for the work due to the lack of author attribution.
- The novel is based on the true story of Elizabeth Whitman, a socialite whose mysterious death scandalized New England in the late 18th century, highlighting the impact of women's limited social freedom.
- Innovative for its time, The Coquette is structured as an epistolary novel, using letters between characters to explore themes of personal freedom and societal expectations.

**Eliza Wharton**  
Eliza is the novel's protagonist known for her charm and lively personality, navigating a series of suitors and societal expectations with a mix of innocence and naivety. Her character is influenced by her social circle and her yearning for both freedom and the approval of her family.

**Major Peter Sanford**  
Sanford is a charismatic man drawn to high-society pleasures, known for his vanity and libertine lifestyle. He becomes entangled in Eliza's life with intentions that reveal his self-serving nature.

**Reverend John Boyer**  
A recent university graduate aspiring to be a clergyman, Boyer offers stability and sincerity as a suitor to Eliza. His cautious nature contrasts sharply with his rival, Major Sanford, as he represents the societal ideal of honorable conduct.

**Julia Granby**  
Julia is a friend of Eliza with strong morals and a lively spirit, providing companionship while trying to sway Eliza from destructive choices. Her presence in the narrative offers a practical perspective on self-control and discretion.

**Lucy Freeman/Lucy Sumner**  
Lucy's friendship with Eliza is central to the narrative, and she often advises Eliza on personal matters. Her marriage and subsequent move to Boston cause a distance that is mirrored by Eliza's mounting personal troubles.

**Mrs. Richman**  
A friend of Eliza and an embodiment of societal virtues, Mrs. Richman contrasts with Eliza's more carefree disposition. Her prudence reflects societal norms of successful womanhood in early American society.

**Nancy Laurence/Nancy Sanford**  
Initially a target of Major Sanford, Nancy marries him, facing a challenging and loveless relationship. Her story demonstrates the personal costs of Sanford's manipulative ventures.

**Mrs. Wharton**  
Eliza's caring mother, who supports her daughter while offering guidance based on strong moral principles. Her relationship with Eliza underscores the weight of familial bonds and expectations. 

**Mr. T. Selby**  
A close confidant of Reverend Boyer, Selby observes Eliza's social interactions and reports to Boyer, offering advice protective of Boyer's interests. His observations influence Boyer's decisions regarding Eliza.

**Charles Deighton**  
A confidant of Major Sanford, Deighton receives letters revealing Sanford's inner thoughts and actions, though he himself remains absent from the narrative.

Hannah Webster Foster

Adult

Novel

Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

Teaching Guide

Before You Read

Explore The Coquette reviews, reading age recommendations, and essential genre and thematic details before you start reading.

Before You Read The Coquette | SuperSummary

title

content

Overview

Get ready to explore The Coquette and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

The Coquette Summary and Study Guide

chapter

chapterType

section

Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Letters 1-3

The Coquette Letters 1-3 Summary & Analysis

Letters 4-9

The Coquette Letters 4-9 Summary & Analysis

Letters 10-13

The Coquette Letters 10-13 Summary & Analysis

Letters 14-18

The Coquette Letters 14-18 Summary & Analysis

Letters 19-22

The Coquette Letters 19-22 Summary & Analysis

Letters 23-27

The Coquette Letters 23-27 Summary & Analysis

Letters 29-36

The Coquette Letters 29-36 Summary & Analysis

Letters 37-41

The Coquette Letters 37-41 Summary & Analysis

Letters 42-48

The Coquette Letters 42-48 Summary & Analysis

Letters 49-54

The Coquette Letters 49-54 Summary & Analysis

Letters 55-61

The Coquette Letters 55-61 Summary & Analysis

Letters 62-69

The Coquette Letters 62-69 Summary & Analysis

Letters 70-74

The Coquette Letters 70-74 Summary & Analysis

character

Character Analysis

The Coquette Character Analysis

theme

Themes

The Coquette Themes

Symbols & Motifs

The Coquette Symbols & Motifs

quote

citation

Important Quotes

The Coquette Important Quotes

primaryCharacter

Essay Topics

The Coquette Essay Topics

Introduction

The Coquette Teacher Introduction

Before Reading

The Coquette Before Reading

During Reading

The Coquette During Reading

After Reading

The Coquette After Reading

The Coquette

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Who Should Read The Coquette?

Reading Age

Book Details