This novel, first published in 1797, tells the story of a young woman named Eliza Wharton who must navigate the social pressures and expectations of her time. When she attracts the attention of two suitors, one of whom is already married, she must choose between love and propriety. Although the novel is fictional, it is based on the true story of Elizabeth Whitman, whose tragic fate scandalized the town of Amherst, Massachusetts. The Coquette is notable for its frank depiction of female desire and its willingness to critique the strict moral standards of its time. It is an important work of early American literature that still resonates with contemporary audiences.

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