The Coquette

by

Hannah Webster Foster

Major Peter Sanford Character Analysis

Nancy Sanford’s husband, Eliza Wharton’s lover, and brief love interest of Miss Laurence. Sanford is a confessed libertine and rake, and he is determined to make Eliza another notch in his womanizing belt. Sanford first meets Eliza when she is vising friends in New Haven, and while he suspects that she is a coquette, Eliza’s friendly disposition suits his intentions just fine. Eliza’s friends despise Sanford, and they believe he is exceedingly dangerous to Eliza’s fragile virtue. Surprisingly, Sanford begins to fall in love with Eliza—as much as he can love any woman—and he is determined to sabotage her relationship with Reverend Boyer, the only man he sees as any real competition. Still, Sanford detests the idea of marriage and doesn’t wish to marry Eliza, he just doesn’t want to see her with another man. After all, Eliza doesn’t have any money, and Sanford has squandered his fortune. He will only consider marrying a woman who can keep him in the lifestyle he is accustomed to. Eliza initially resists Sanford’s advances and he soon goes South, where he marries Nancy, a woman with a sizable fortune. Sanford still carries a torch for Eliza, however, and he and Nancy soon move to Eliza’s hometown. There, he again gains Eliza’s attention and encourages her friendship with his wife, whom he openly treats with contempt. Sanford doesn’t bother to hide his feelings for Eliza, and he continues to pursue her despite being married. When Nancy gives birth to Sanford’s son and the baby dies, Sanford barely bats an eye. He is a despicable and sexist man who condemns Eliza’s coquetry while defending his own rakish behavior, and he even refuses to marry Eliza after he seduces her on the grounds that she is obviously seducible and lacking virtue. Sanford helps Eliza run away to the inn at Danvers after their affair leaves her pregnant, but he never sees her again, and Eliza gives birth to their child alone. Sadly, their baby dies, and Eliza herself dies shortly after. After Eliza’s death, Sanford is ruined in Hartford, and he must sell his house to pay his creditors. He leaves town alone, a broken and dejected man.

Major Peter Sanford Quotes in The Coquette

The The Coquette quotes below are all either spoken by Major Peter Sanford or refer to Major Peter Sanford. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Women and Society Theme Icon
).
Letter 8 Quotes

I first saw [Miss Eliza Wharton] on a party of pleasure at Mr. Frazier’s where we walked, talked, sung, and danced together. I thought her cousin watched her with a jealous eye; for she is, you must know, a prude; and immaculate, more so than you or I must be the man who claims admission to her society. But I fancy this young lady is a coquette; and if so, I shall avenge my sex, by retaliating the mischiefs, she meditates against us. Not that I have any ill designs; but only to play off her own artillery, by using a little unmeaning gallantry. And let her beware of the consequences.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mrs. Richman, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 12
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 9 Quotes

My friends were waiting for me in the parlor. They received me sociably, inquired after my health, my last evening’s entertainment, the company, &c. When, after a little pause, Mrs. Richman said, and how do you like Major Sanford, Eliza? Very well indeed, madam: I think him a finished gentleman. Will you, who are a connoisseur, allow him that title? No, my dear: in my opinion, he falls far below it; since he is deficient in one of the great essentials of the character, and that is, virtue. I am surprised, said I: but how has he incurred so severe a censure? By being a professed libertine; by having but too successfully practiced the arts of seduction; by triumphing in the destruction of innocence and the peace of families!

Related Characters: Miss Eliza Wharton (speaker), Major Peter Sanford, Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner, Mrs. Richman, General Richman
Page Number: 14
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 11 Quotes

I believe too, that I have charmed the eye at least, of the amiable Eliza. Indeed, Charles, she is a fine girl. I think it would hurt my conscience to wound her mind or reputation. Were I disposed to marry, I am persuaded she would make an excellent wife; but that you know is no part of my plan, so long as I can keep out of the noose. Whenever I do submit to be shackled, it must be from a necessity of mending my fortune. This girl would be far from doing that. However, I am pleased with her acquaintance, and mean not to abuse her credulity and good nature, if I can help it.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 16
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 27 Quotes

I am quite a convert to Pope’s assertion, that “Every woman is, at heart, a rake.” How else can we account for the pleasure which they evidently receive from the society, the flattery, the caresses of men of that character? Even the most virtuous of them seem naturally prone to gaiety, to pleasure, and, I had almost said, to dissipation! How else shall we account for the existence of this disposition, in your favorite fair? It cannot be the result of her education. Such a one as she has received, is calculated to give her a very different turn of mind. You must forgive me, my friend, for I am a little vexed, and alarmed on your account.

Related Characters: Mr. T. Selby (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Reverend J. Boyer
Page Number: 42-3
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 28 Quotes

I have not yet determined to seduce her, though, with all her pretensions to virtue, I do not think it impossible. And if I should, she can blame none but herself, since she knows my character, and has no reason to wonder if I act consistently with it. If she will play with a lion, let her beware of his paw, I say.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 45
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 31 Quotes

I look upon the vicious habits, and abandoned character of Major Sanford, to have more pernicious effects on society, than the perpetrations of the robber and the assassin. These, when detected, are rigidly punished by the laws of the land. If their lives be spared, they are shunned by society, and treated with every mark of disapprobation and contempt. But to the disgrace of humanity and virtue, the assassin of honor; the wretch, who breaks the peace of families, who robs virgin innocence of its charms, who triumphs over the ill placed confidence of the inexperienced, unsuspecting, and too credulous fair, is received, and caressed, not only by his own sex, to which he is a reproach, but even by ours, who have every conceivable reason to despise and avoid him. Influenced by these principles, I am neither ashamed nor afraid openly to avow my sentiments of this man, and my reasons for treating him with the most pointed neglect.

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford
Page Number: 50
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 61 Quotes

Slight not the opinion of the world. We are dependent beings; and while the smallest traces of virtuous sensibility remain, we must feel the force of that dependence, in a greater or less degree. No female, whose mind is uncorrupted, can be indifferent to reputation. It is an inestimable jewel, the loss of which can never be repaired. While retained, it affords conscious peace to our own minds, and ensures the esteem and respect of all around us.

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Major Peter Sanford
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 111
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 66 Quotes

Indeed, I feared some immediate and fatal effect. I therefore seated myself beside her; and assuming an air of kindness, compose yourself, Eliza, said I; I repeat what I told you before, it is the purest friendship, which thus interests me in your concerns. This, under the direction of charity, induces me again to offer you my hand. Yet you have erred against knowledge and reason; against warning and counsel. You have forfeited the favor of your friends; and reluctant will be their forgiveness. I plead guilty, said she, to all your charges. From the general voice I expect no clemency. If I can make my peace with my mother, it is all I seek or wish on this side the grave.

Related Characters: Miss Julia Granby (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner
Page Number: 120
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 70 Quotes

[Eliza] is exceedingly depressed; and says she neither expects nor wishes to survive her lying in. Insanity, for aught I know, must be my lot, if she should die. But I will not harbor the idea. I hope, one time or other, to have the power to make her amends, even by marriage. My wife may be provoked, I imagine, to sue for a divorce. If she should, she would find no difficulty in obtaining it; and then I would take Eliza in her stead. Though I confess that the idea of being thus connected with a woman whom I have been able to dishonor would be rather hard to surmount. It would hurt even my delicacy, little as you may think me to possess, to have a wife whom I know to be seducible. And, on this account, I cannot be positive that even Eliza would retain my love.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mrs. Nancy Sanford, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 132
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 73 Quotes

Upon your reflecting and steady mind, my dear Julia, I need not inculcate the lessons which may be drawn from this woe-fraught tale; but for the sake of my sex in general, I wish it engraved upon every heart, that virtue alone, independent of the trappings of wealth, the parade of equipage, and the adulation of gallantry, can secure lasting felicity. From the melancholy story of Eliza Wharton, let the American fair learn to reject with disdain every insinuation derogatory to their true dignity and honor. Let them despise, and for ever banish the man, who can glory in the seduction of innocence and the ruin of reputation. To associate, is to approve; to approve, is to be betrayed!

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Miss Julia Granby
Page Number: 141
Explanation and Analysis:
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Major Peter Sanford Quotes in The Coquette

The The Coquette quotes below are all either spoken by Major Peter Sanford or refer to Major Peter Sanford. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Women and Society Theme Icon
).
Letter 8 Quotes

I first saw [Miss Eliza Wharton] on a party of pleasure at Mr. Frazier’s where we walked, talked, sung, and danced together. I thought her cousin watched her with a jealous eye; for she is, you must know, a prude; and immaculate, more so than you or I must be the man who claims admission to her society. But I fancy this young lady is a coquette; and if so, I shall avenge my sex, by retaliating the mischiefs, she meditates against us. Not that I have any ill designs; but only to play off her own artillery, by using a little unmeaning gallantry. And let her beware of the consequences.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mrs. Richman, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 12
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 9 Quotes

My friends were waiting for me in the parlor. They received me sociably, inquired after my health, my last evening’s entertainment, the company, &c. When, after a little pause, Mrs. Richman said, and how do you like Major Sanford, Eliza? Very well indeed, madam: I think him a finished gentleman. Will you, who are a connoisseur, allow him that title? No, my dear: in my opinion, he falls far below it; since he is deficient in one of the great essentials of the character, and that is, virtue. I am surprised, said I: but how has he incurred so severe a censure? By being a professed libertine; by having but too successfully practiced the arts of seduction; by triumphing in the destruction of innocence and the peace of families!

Related Characters: Miss Eliza Wharton (speaker), Major Peter Sanford, Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner, Mrs. Richman, General Richman
Page Number: 14
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 11 Quotes

I believe too, that I have charmed the eye at least, of the amiable Eliza. Indeed, Charles, she is a fine girl. I think it would hurt my conscience to wound her mind or reputation. Were I disposed to marry, I am persuaded she would make an excellent wife; but that you know is no part of my plan, so long as I can keep out of the noose. Whenever I do submit to be shackled, it must be from a necessity of mending my fortune. This girl would be far from doing that. However, I am pleased with her acquaintance, and mean not to abuse her credulity and good nature, if I can help it.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 16
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 27 Quotes

I am quite a convert to Pope’s assertion, that “Every woman is, at heart, a rake.” How else can we account for the pleasure which they evidently receive from the society, the flattery, the caresses of men of that character? Even the most virtuous of them seem naturally prone to gaiety, to pleasure, and, I had almost said, to dissipation! How else shall we account for the existence of this disposition, in your favorite fair? It cannot be the result of her education. Such a one as she has received, is calculated to give her a very different turn of mind. You must forgive me, my friend, for I am a little vexed, and alarmed on your account.

Related Characters: Mr. T. Selby (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Reverend J. Boyer
Page Number: 42-3
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 28 Quotes

I have not yet determined to seduce her, though, with all her pretensions to virtue, I do not think it impossible. And if I should, she can blame none but herself, since she knows my character, and has no reason to wonder if I act consistently with it. If she will play with a lion, let her beware of his paw, I say.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 45
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 31 Quotes

I look upon the vicious habits, and abandoned character of Major Sanford, to have more pernicious effects on society, than the perpetrations of the robber and the assassin. These, when detected, are rigidly punished by the laws of the land. If their lives be spared, they are shunned by society, and treated with every mark of disapprobation and contempt. But to the disgrace of humanity and virtue, the assassin of honor; the wretch, who breaks the peace of families, who robs virgin innocence of its charms, who triumphs over the ill placed confidence of the inexperienced, unsuspecting, and too credulous fair, is received, and caressed, not only by his own sex, to which he is a reproach, but even by ours, who have every conceivable reason to despise and avoid him. Influenced by these principles, I am neither ashamed nor afraid openly to avow my sentiments of this man, and my reasons for treating him with the most pointed neglect.

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford
Page Number: 50
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 61 Quotes

Slight not the opinion of the world. We are dependent beings; and while the smallest traces of virtuous sensibility remain, we must feel the force of that dependence, in a greater or less degree. No female, whose mind is uncorrupted, can be indifferent to reputation. It is an inestimable jewel, the loss of which can never be repaired. While retained, it affords conscious peace to our own minds, and ensures the esteem and respect of all around us.

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Major Peter Sanford
Related Literary Devices:
Page Number: 111
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 66 Quotes

Indeed, I feared some immediate and fatal effect. I therefore seated myself beside her; and assuming an air of kindness, compose yourself, Eliza, said I; I repeat what I told you before, it is the purest friendship, which thus interests me in your concerns. This, under the direction of charity, induces me again to offer you my hand. Yet you have erred against knowledge and reason; against warning and counsel. You have forfeited the favor of your friends; and reluctant will be their forgiveness. I plead guilty, said she, to all your charges. From the general voice I expect no clemency. If I can make my peace with my mother, it is all I seek or wish on this side the grave.

Related Characters: Miss Julia Granby (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner
Page Number: 120
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 70 Quotes

[Eliza] is exceedingly depressed; and says she neither expects nor wishes to survive her lying in. Insanity, for aught I know, must be my lot, if she should die. But I will not harbor the idea. I hope, one time or other, to have the power to make her amends, even by marriage. My wife may be provoked, I imagine, to sue for a divorce. If she should, she would find no difficulty in obtaining it; and then I would take Eliza in her stead. Though I confess that the idea of being thus connected with a woman whom I have been able to dishonor would be rather hard to surmount. It would hurt even my delicacy, little as you may think me to possess, to have a wife whom I know to be seducible. And, on this account, I cannot be positive that even Eliza would retain my love.

Related Characters: Major Peter Sanford (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Mrs. Nancy Sanford, Mr. Charles Deighton
Page Number: 132
Explanation and Analysis:
Letter 73 Quotes

Upon your reflecting and steady mind, my dear Julia, I need not inculcate the lessons which may be drawn from this woe-fraught tale; but for the sake of my sex in general, I wish it engraved upon every heart, that virtue alone, independent of the trappings of wealth, the parade of equipage, and the adulation of gallantry, can secure lasting felicity. From the melancholy story of Eliza Wharton, let the American fair learn to reject with disdain every insinuation derogatory to their true dignity and honor. Let them despise, and for ever banish the man, who can glory in the seduction of innocence and the ruin of reputation. To associate, is to approve; to approve, is to be betrayed!

Related Characters: Miss Lucy Freeman/Mrs. Lucy Sumner (speaker), Miss Eliza Wharton, Major Peter Sanford, Miss Julia Granby
Page Number: 141
Explanation and Analysis: