Hannah Webster Foster
Hannah Webster Foster (1758–1840) was an American novelist. Her best-known work is 'The Coquette; or, The History of Eliza Wharton', which was published anonymously in 1797. The novel, based on the true story of Elizabeth Whitman, is one of the earliest examples of the sentimental novel and the novel of manners in American literature. Foster's writing is significant for its portrayal of women's roles and experiences in the early United States.
Books
This list of books are ONLY the books that have been ranked on the lists that are aggregated on this site. This is not a comprehensive list of all books by this author.
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1. The Coquette
The novel follows the story of a young woman named Eliza Wharton, who, after the death of her fiancé, enjoys her newfound independence and engages in flirtations with multiple suitors. Despite societal pressures to marry and settle down, Eliza is drawn to the charm of a man known for his libertine ways, leading her down a path of emotional turmoil and social scandal. The narrative, presented through a series of letters, explores themes of female autonomy, morality, and the consequences of defying the rigid social norms of late 18th-century America, ultimately culminating in a tragic cautionary tale about the dangers of unrestrained individualism and the societal expectations placed upon women.
The 2629th Greatest Book of All Time
