The Power of Sympathy and The Coquette

American novelist William Hill Brown wrote during the eighteenth century and is credited with writing the first American novel, "The Power of Sympathy." Brown used his work to teach women the dangers of seduction and passion, attempting to lead them toward morality and propriety. The novel follows the forbidden romance of Harrington and Harriot, two young lovers who become engaged after a whirlwind romance. Much to their surprise, they discover that they are illegitimate siblings; years ago, Mr. Harrington had had an affair which resulted in Harriot's birth. The secret was kept in order to preserve the family's honor. After learning that their love is truly forbidden, Harriot dies from tuberculosis, and Harrington commits suicide after her death. In "The Coquette," Eliza Wharton begins a small relationship before getting married, which turns into an improper romance. Eventually they are banished from proper society for their sins. Both novels were created to form a foundation for the mores and virtues that many citizens wanted America to be built upon. However, recent criticism has suggested that these texts are not morality tales, but instead used immoral and incestuous relationships as a means to thrill readers. Modern readers are encouraged to judge for themselves what the author's original intention was for these dramas.