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. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.