Norton Anthology of American Literature (Shorter Ed Beginnings to 1865)
Sample Solution
Royall Tyler's "The Contrast" and Hannah Foster's "The Coquette" both target a similar intended audience: the burgeoning American reading public of the late 18th and early 19th centuries, specifically those interested in questions of social conduct, morality, and national identity in the new republic. This audience was likely composed of middle and upper-class individuals, both men and women, who were literate and engaged in the cultural project of defining what it meant to be an American. My rationale for this audience identification stems from several factors present in both works.
Tyler's play, "The Contrast," clearly aims to establish an American identity distinct from European, particularly British, models. The characters represent contrasting values: the American simplicity and honesty of Colonel Manly versus the foppish Anglophilia of Dimple. As Tyler states in his prologue, his aim is to "exhibit to the world the 'contrast' / Between a true and false, a diamond and paste" (Tyler). This theme of contrasting American and European values would resonate with an audience concerned with establishing a unique national character. Furthermore, the play's use of humor and satire, targeting specific social behaviors, suggests an audience sophisticated enough to appreciate such nuances.
Full Answer Section
Foster's "The Coquette," while a novel, shares similar concerns with social conduct and morality. It tells the story of Eliza Wharton, a young woman whose flirtatious nature leads to tragedy. Foster's didactic approach, using Eliza's fate as a cautionary tale, suggests an audience that is being instructed in proper behavior. As Eliza reflects on her choices, the narrative voice often interjects with moral commentary, as when it states, "Unhappy Eliza! thought she, what infatuation possessed me!" (Foster). This moralizing tone indicates an audience that is expected to learn from Eliza's mistakes. The novel's epistolary form, relying on letters to convey the story, also suggests a literate and engaged readership accustomed to this popular literary format.
Both authors tailor their writing to this audience in several ways. Tyler uses recognizable stock characters, like the Yankee Jonathan, to create a sense of national familiarity and humor. He also incorporates patriotic themes and language to appeal to his audience's sense of national pride. Foster, on the other hand, focuses on the domestic sphere and the challenges faced by young women in navigating social expectations. Her use of sentimentalism and pathos, particularly in depicting Eliza's downfall, would have resonated with the emotional sensibilities of her readers.
Tyler's strategy is to make a particular impression of American self-reliance and moral superiority over European decadence. He achieves this through the contrasting characters and their interactions. Foster's strategy is to impress upon her audience the importance of female virtue and the dangers of unchecked desire. She uses Eliza's tragic story to convey this message.
Ultimately, both authors want their audience to take away a clear understanding of the values and behaviors that define a virtuous American, whether male or female. Tyler emphasizes national identity and moral integrity, while Foster focuses on female virtue and the consequences of transgression. Both works contribute to the broader cultural conversation about what it meant to be an American in this formative period.