Overview
The Coquette (1797) is a novel by American author Hannah Webster Foster. Published anonymously, The Coquette was one of eighteenth-century Americaās bestselling books. Based on the story of Elizabeth Whitman, a New England socialite whose death during the birth of her illegitimate child was a sensational topic in newspapers at the time, Fosterās novel attempts to turn tragedy and gossip into a topic of serious moral and social discussion. The Coquette both empathizes with its main character and promotes the need for educating women, making it a groundbreaking work of early feminism and an important example of the epistolary form, a popular style of eighteenth century fiction which uses letters between characters as narration.
Having been released from an unhappy marriage by the death of her husband, Eliza Whartonāthe daughter of a prominent clergymanāfinds herself hoping for more from life. As she begins to envision the independent life she desires, two competing suitors threaten to disrupt her plans before she can even realize them. Rev. J. Boyer is a kind but unappealing man who fails to inspire a sense of romance in Eliza, while Major Peter Sanford, a known womanizer, is an exciting and unpredictable man who manages to pique Elizaās interest before marrying another woman. As she loses sight of her newfound sense of independence, Eliza becomes a mere object of male affection, a woman to be seduced, but not respected. When an affair with Sanford goes terribly wrong, and finding herself with nowhere to turn, Elizaās life slowly falls to pieces before our eyes. The Coquette is a tragic novel with a complex message. While it critiques Elizaās moral failures, it also deconstructs societyās attempts to blame women for the ways in which men manipulate and abandon them. The solution, according to Hannah Webster Foster, must be to educate women so that they will not only be given the tools for independence, but the ability to succeed either without men or as their rational equals.
With a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, this edition of Hannah Webster Fosterās The Coquette is a classic of American literature reimagined for modern readers.
This book title, The Coquette - 9781513221335, ISBN: 9781513221335, by Hannah Webster Foster, Mint Editions, published by Mint Editions (April 13, 2021) is available in hardcover. Our minimum order quantity is 25 copies. All standard bulk book orders ship FREE in the continental USA and delivered in 4-10 business days.
Unlike Amazon and other retailers who may also offer The Coquette - 9781513221335 books on their website, we specialize in large quantities and provide personal service, from trusted, experienced, friendly people in Portland, Oregon. We offer a Price Match Guarantee, and QuickQuote form, to make purchasing quick and easy.
Prefer to work with a human being when you order The Coquette - 9781513221335 books in bulk? Our Book Specialists are standing by Monday-Friday 8-5 PST, ready to help!