Hannah Webster Foster 
The Coquette, or, The History of Eliza Wharton 
A Novel: Founded on Fact

Hannah Webster Foster’s ‘The Coquette, or, The History of Eliza Wharton’ is a captivating novel that delves into the complexities of love, morality, and societal expectations in post-revolutionary America. Written in epistolary form, the book follows the tragic tale of Eliza Wharton, a charming and beautiful young woman whose flirtatious behavior leads her down a path of scandal and ruin. Foster’s writing style is eloquent and poignant, drawing readers into the emotional turmoil of the characters and the moral dilemmas they face. Set against the backdrop of early American society, the novel provides a nuanced exploration of gender roles, marriage, and personal agency. The story is both heart-wrenching and thought-provoking, leaving readers with much to contemplate long after the final page. Hannah Webster Foster, a prominent American author of the late 18th century, drew inspiration from real-life events and social concerns of her time to create this timeless work. Her keen insights into human nature and the constraints of society are evident throughout the novel, making ‘The Coquette’ a compelling read for anyone interested in American literature, women’s history, or moral philosophy.

About the author

Hannah Webster Foster (1758–1840) was an American novelist whose work reflects the sentiment and moralistic tone of early American literature. Best known for her novel ‘The Coquette, or, The History of Eliza Wharton, ‘ Foster’s writing style combines epistolary fiction with cautionary tales, centering upon the social and personal consequences of unguarded female behavior. Published anonymously in 1797, ‘The Coquette’ quickly became one of the best-selling novels of its time and remains a significant text in the study of American women’s writing and the early American novel. Drawing from the real-life scandalous death of Elizabeth Whitman, the story serves as a social critique, exploring the limited options available to women and the repercussions of defying societal norms. Foster’s depiction of her protagonist, Eliza Wharton, offers readers both a seductive cautionary tale and a subtle indictment of a patriarchal society’s double standards. Although much of Foster’s life and work remained overshadowed by her more celebrated contemporaries, recent scholarship has revived interest in her contributions to American literature. Beyond ‘The Coquette, ‘ Foster’s other work, ‘The Boarding School, or Lessons of a Preceptress to Her Pupils, ‘ further cements her legacy as a writer who deftly navigated the mores of her time, offering a window into the complexities of womanhood in the early republic.