Hannah Webster Foster: The Coquette (Main Blog-Lacy Rowan)

Hannah Webster Foster (1758-1840) was an important novelist of the 18th century. The Coquette (one of her better known works) was written published in 1797 and was based loosely on fact. The main character of the novel is Eliza Wharton, who is based on Elizabeth Whitman, a well respected woman from Hartford Connecticut. Elizabeth's story became a warning to young girls and boys when she rejected potential suitors and ended up being seduced by  a man who left her after he found out she was pregnant. She delivered a stillborn child and died later from complications from her pregnancy. While no one knows the real identity of her real-life seducer, she became a cautionary tale for young adults at the time; a warning to think rationally rather than getting swept up in passion. 

The story of Eliza Wharton starts after her fiancé passes away. She was engaged to a man named Mr. Haly who dies before they could ever marry. She moves to New Haven in search of a fresh start. She was fond of Mr. Haly, but was secretly happy to be free from the ties of marriage. She did not want to marry him because she did not love him, but he was a nice man and she was willing to make that sacrifice. In New Haven, she lives a carefree, lavish life with servants, walks in the garden, and dance parties. She meets a man named J. Boyer, who seems like a potential suitor. He seems to be quite fond of Eliza, is going to be a reverend, is educated and comes from  a wealthy family. Boyer is a gentleman and soon becomes close to Eliza. She also meets a man named Peter Sanford. Sanford is a bachelor. He is known in town for having a somewhat bad reputation. He seduces women, has no job, and is certainly someone to be wary of. He became infatuated with Eliza, who is incredibly susceptible to his charms. Sanford views Eliza as "Thoughtless of everything but present enjoyment" (826). He intends on avenging man everywhere who have been seduced by a coquette, and intends to destroy her reputation. Over time, he realizes that though she may be vapid, she is a kind and fun person and calls off his plans. 

Some time passes, and Eliza and Boyer are dating. Boyer wishes to marry Eliza. Eliza says she is interested but cannot commit yet. She says that she will give him a decision in due time. After a while, Boyer begins to grow impatient waiting for an answer but respects her wishes. Before ever giving an answer, Eliza is found talking with Sanford in the garden by Boyer, who then breaks off the relationship, but continues to write her as a friend. Over time, Eliza slips into a deep depression. Sanford is married to a woman of wealth whom he does not love. He says that he would have married Eliza if the situation were different, but simultaneously doesn't want her to marry another. Sanford doesn't truly love Eliza. He likes the thrill of the chase and if he were to have Eliza, he would probably grow tired of her soon after. She regrets not marring Boyer (who is now married) when she had the chance, as she is now alone. She lives with her mother before Sanford suddenly reenters her life and takes her away with him where she died at age 37 from her complications from the stillborn child delivered sometime earlier.  

The writing itself gives great insight to what life was like for young women of the time and the expectations society held for them. Women were expected to marry a man who was most likely picked out by your parents (also typically of wealth or higher class), settle down, have children and maintain the house. Eliza was not interested in this. She wanted to settle down eventually, but wanted to wait until she found the right man. She resented the fact that married women tend to forget about their friends and did not wish to become this way. She very much valued her independence and in today's society, she could have been considered an old fashioned woman. Where at the time, she was relatively scandalous. It just goes to show the change in cultures over time. She exemplifies a young woman who is "rebelling" against the norm. She continues to go after what she wants even though she is aware that the society she is a part of views her as a "coquette" for doing so. The Coquette shows how women found it difficult to obtain equality in any matter; psychologically, socially, or financially. They were told what to do, controlled, and looked down upon if they did not go along the traditional path. It also shows the economic barriers that were involved in marriage at the time; people often sacrificed love in search of fortune. Overall, Eliza's character shows life as a young twentysomething woman in the 18th century. Her story does not have a happy ending but the writing about her (or Elizabeth, rather) is a reminder of how far we have come with gender equality, and how far we have yet to go.