100 pages • 3 hours read
Hannah Webster FosterThe Coquette
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1797A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more. For select classroom titles, we also provide Teaching Guides with discussion and quiz questions to prompt student engagement.
Letters 42-48Chapter Summaries & Analyses
Letter 42 Summary: “To Mr. Charles Deighton”
Major Sanford writes to Charles Deighton of his success in breaking up Eliza and Mr. Boyer, and of his near escape from falling completely in love with Eliza. Sanford, who claims to have “no conscience,” does not care to take things further with Eliza now that he has revenged himself upon her friends.
Boyer’s sudden discovery of Sanford and Eliza in the arbor was fortunate for the major. He watches Boyer leave from a neighbor’s house.
He calls on Eliza the next day. She is unwilling to hear about anything concerning the affair. Sanford informs her that he will be leaving for the south for several months in order to repair his fortunes. Sanford tells Deighton, in confidence, that the purpose of this trip is “occasioned by the prospect of speculation” (96)
Letter 43 Summary: “To Miss Eliza Wharton”
Mrs. Richman sends her condolences to Eliza over the end of her relationship with Boyer. Eliza has been “resigned […] to solitude and dejection” (96). She encourages Eliza that she can still expect happiness, and that “[o]ur greatest mistakes may teach lessons which will be useful through life” (97). Mrs. Richman invites Eliza back to her home.
Nancy Laurence is now engaged to Mr. Laiton, who Mrs.
