100 pages • 3 hours read
The Coquette
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Book Brief
192
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 1790s
1797
Adult
18+ years
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
3,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
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 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.
3,430 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
192
Novel • Fiction
Connecticut • 1790s
1797
Adult
18+ years
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