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The Coquette

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1797

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Book Brief

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Hannah Webster Foster

The Coquette

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1797
Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut • 1790s

Theme
Publication Year

1797

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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Super Short Summary

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

Reviews & Readership

3.9

3,430 ratings

45%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

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Review Roundup

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.

Who should read this

Who Should Read The Coquette?

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.

3.9

3,430 ratings

45%

Loved it

39%

Mixed feelings

17%

Not a fan

Book Details
Pages

192

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Connecticut • 1790s

Theme
Publication Year

1797

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

18+ years

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