Who Is Eliza In The Coquette

Throughout this novel, The Coquette, you are told the story of a naive girl who was a little too flirty, or coquettish for her own good. This dangerous trait, in addition to weak morals lead dear Eliza down a path that ended in her demise. This entire tale furthers the belief that a woman’s value is indeed found in her genitals. Without virtue a woman is essentially a waste. Many of the characters can easily be categorized into the two standards set by the cult of domesticity; the fallen woman and the perfect lady. Foster uses not only Eliza as an example, but other characters as well, she uses the other woman in the story to showcase how the perfect woman should act. Julia Granby for example is single yet attractive and honorable in all she …show more content…
In this story Eliza represents the fallen woman, with her flirtatious attitude and loose morals. Another trait Eliza possessed that made her fall under the term “fallen woman” is her adversity towards marriage. Marriage frightened Eliza, she did not want to lose her freedom or her friendships. Even Lucy’s marriage frightened and angered Eliza. “Marriage is the tomb of friendship. It appears to me a very selfish state. Why do people, in general, as soon as they are married, centre all their cares, their concerns, and pleasures in their own families? Former acquaintances are neglected or forgotten.” (Foster, letter XII.) Sadly this is not the only thing that condemns Eliza, in letter LXVI, she is caught sneaking Sanford out. Sanford is Eliza’s lover yet married to another woman then gets Eliza pregnant. After this unfolds you see the depreivty in which she sinks. She is forced to run away from home to save her mother the embarrassment of her pregnancy. Later a news article is released saying a young woman and newborn child passed away while giving birth. Julie and Eliza’s mother discover that it is she who has passed. The only comfort they have is knowing how greatly she repented for her