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3.33 AVERAGE
3.33 AVERAGE
dark
emotional
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
emotional
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
tense
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
One of the most frustrating main characters I’ve seen in a while.
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
i h8 major sanford
Although she wrote one of the best-selling novels of the early national period and a work widely regarded, even in its own time, as one of the finest early American novels, Foster, like most women writers of that era, has been largely passed over by social and literary history.I rewatched the US version of 'The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo' last weekend. I still prefer the Swedish version, especially since the rest of the trilogy (except for the non-actual authored fourth for some suspicious reason) seem suck in US development limbo hell, but I noticed a commonality between this ultra modern tale of hacking, Nazis, and violence against women this tome from the late 18th century: people go open eyed to murder rather than offend conceptions of polite society. Oh he's a rake, oh he's a wretch, oh he deserves to be thrown to the wolves, but does anyone do it, or better yet, question why so many of these men are bred from birth to become such absolute motherfuckers? If he has money, a title, and prestige, men will slobber all over him, and male slobber necessitates women accepting, even if other women tell her she is in the right to refuse. Such behavior likely has as high a body count today as it did in 1798, judging by the Kavanaugh horrorfest. If Foster's villain seems cartoonish, watch the inquiry of the aforementioned Supreme Court nominee and tell me how far we've come in the last 200 years and how doomed we are as a result.
It is an ill-natured, misjudging world; and I am not obliged to sacrifice my friends to its opinion.Perhaps it is because this book comes right on the tail end of the 18th century, but it rings much more strongly of Austen than, say, Defoe or Radcliffe. The epistolary form is acknowledgeably more off putting than the novel form, but I still found this book to be much more accessible than I had assumed. This assumption came mostly from my lack of recent indulging in 18th c. lit in 2810, but it seems my reading experiences have piled up into too solid an experience to be worn away by a mere year's worth of reading in other, more modern centuries. In any case, my only struggle came when one character or another waxed too long on self-pitying and/or moralizing throes, which made the multiple occasions where a character called themselves out for moralizing slightly humorous. That meant I could devote nearly all my reading energies to considering the story, and two hundred and twenty years on, it's still harrowing in the way only a self-proclaimed and all too realistic train-wreck can be. I'd call it something that couldn't happen today, but Stormy Daniels has come forward, and no one's succeeded in silencing her yet. Much has changed with regards to social outings and circuses, and much remains the murderous same.
Finishing this book means finally finishing on of this year's reading challenges, which is a welcome relief after so many months of plodding along unfulfilled tracks in so many aspects of my life. I have a solid two thousand pages left to churn through, in addition to the odd school assigned work, but that's a mere three weeks of reading if I stick with it, and while school work got to me last week, I knew that going out of town would do such, and I caught up enough by the end of the weekday run to not be worried. I don't see myself coming to as definitive a conclusion as Eliza Wharton did anytime soon. It's yet another valuable lesson in the vein of patriarchal rape culture, but I am nowhere near as potentially destitute as the average white woman was back then, and pursuit of higher education will only reduce that possibility further. Things could go wildly wrong, but for now, I have things under control.
But I despise those contracted ideas which confine virtue to a cell.
Hannah Webster Foster's "The Coquette" is a literary gem that invites readers into a world where the tumultuous tides of love, virtue, and societal expectations converge against the backdrop of early America. Originally published in 1797, this classic novel endures as a testament to early American literature, offering an insightful glimpse into the moral and social dilemmas that women faced in the late 18th century.
At the heart of the narrative lies Eliza Wharton, a character who embodies both enchantment and tragedy. Eliza's persona is a captivating blend of vivacity and independence, making her a relatable yet tragic figure. Her journey through the pages of the novel serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in navigating the treacherous waters of personal desire and societal norms.
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, Foster crafts a world where the choices available to women were severely limited. The novel illuminates the oppressive expectations and restrictions placed upon women during this era. Eliza, with her fierce yearning for personal freedom and happiness, becomes the embodiment of rebellion against these rigid norms, challenging readers to reflect on the timeless struggle for autonomy and identity.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Coquette" is Foster's narrative technique. Employing letters as the primary mode of storytelling, the novel unfolds through a series of correspondences between characters. This epistolary format offers readers a unique vantage point into the innermost thoughts and emotions of the characters, effectively immersing them in the historical milieu of the late 18th century. Foster's deft use of this literary device enhances the intimacy of the narrative and reinforces the importance of written communication during that period.
As the novel unfolds, the tension between personal autonomy and societal conformity takes center stage. Eliza's pursuit of love and passion leads her to challenge traditional gender roles, setting her on a collision course with the unforgiving expectations of her time. Foster's exploration of this age-old conflict resonates with contemporary discussions of gender and identity, underscoring the enduring relevance of these themes.
The novel's denouement is a sobering reflection on the consequences of daring to defy societal norms. Eliza's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale, forcing readers to confront the harsh realities of a society that enforces moral codes with an unyielding hand.
In conclusion, Hannah Webster Foster's "The Coquette" stands as a significant work of early American literature, deserving of its place in the literary canon. Through unforgettable characters and the exploration of enduring themes, the novel invites readers to contemplate the intricate dance between human desire and societal expectations. In a world where the pursuit of personal happiness often collides with rigid convention, Foster's work continues to serve as a compelling reflection of the human experience.
At the heart of the narrative lies Eliza Wharton, a character who embodies both enchantment and tragedy. Eliza's persona is a captivating blend of vivacity and independence, making her a relatable yet tragic figure. Her journey through the pages of the novel serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities involved in navigating the treacherous waters of personal desire and societal norms.
Set against the backdrop of the American Revolution, Foster crafts a world where the choices available to women were severely limited. The novel illuminates the oppressive expectations and restrictions placed upon women during this era. Eliza, with her fierce yearning for personal freedom and happiness, becomes the embodiment of rebellion against these rigid norms, challenging readers to reflect on the timeless struggle for autonomy and identity.
One of the most remarkable aspects of "The Coquette" is Foster's narrative technique. Employing letters as the primary mode of storytelling, the novel unfolds through a series of correspondences between characters. This epistolary format offers readers a unique vantage point into the innermost thoughts and emotions of the characters, effectively immersing them in the historical milieu of the late 18th century. Foster's deft use of this literary device enhances the intimacy of the narrative and reinforces the importance of written communication during that period.
As the novel unfolds, the tension between personal autonomy and societal conformity takes center stage. Eliza's pursuit of love and passion leads her to challenge traditional gender roles, setting her on a collision course with the unforgiving expectations of her time. Foster's exploration of this age-old conflict resonates with contemporary discussions of gender and identity, underscoring the enduring relevance of these themes.
The novel's denouement is a sobering reflection on the consequences of daring to defy societal norms. Eliza's tragic fate serves as a cautionary tale, forcing readers to confront the harsh realities of a society that enforces moral codes with an unyielding hand.
In conclusion, Hannah Webster Foster's "The Coquette" stands as a significant work of early American literature, deserving of its place in the literary canon. Through unforgettable characters and the exploration of enduring themes, the novel invites readers to contemplate the intricate dance between human desire and societal expectations. In a world where the pursuit of personal happiness often collides with rigid convention, Foster's work continues to serve as a compelling reflection of the human experience.
A historically significant, proto-feminist work of early American literature, it stands the test of time and relative obscurity.
Definitely an easier read than Evelina but also less enjoyable