Coquette (novel)

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The Coquette (full title, The Coquette; or, The History of Eliza Wharton) is an epistolary novel by Mrs Hannah Webster Foster. It was published anonymously in 1797, and was not published under the author's real name until 1866, 26 years after Webster's death.

[edit] Plot summary

The story is about a flirt, whose behaviour inevitably ruins her life. At a young age she is promised off to a rich man who then dies during their engagement period while in her care. After spending this time nursing this man, Eliza faces her new life as a single woman with optimism and zeal. She does not want to get married; she just wants to have fun. Meanwhile, there is a young minister who falls for her and she enjoys his company, but does not want to marry him. Also, there is a sort of a playboy who also tries to spend time with her and has non-virtuous intent. She can't decide between the two and when she finally decides she wants the nice boy, it is too late because he no longer trusts her. The novel might also have deeper meanings involving Federalist and Anti-Federalist ideals from a Federalist point of view.