Skip to main content
Chaptra
Cover of Coelebs In Search of a Wife

Coelebs In Search of a Wife

Written by Hannah More

Not rated yet — tap a star to review it
Mate selectionDidactic fictionConduct of lifeChristian fiction

Chaptra reads alongside you — AI insights, chapter breakdowns and reader discussions for every book. Join free

About this book

"Coelebs In Search of a Wife" by Hannah More is a novel written in the early 19th century. This work delves into explorations of love and marriage, framed through the experiences and insights of the main character, Charles, a young man seeking a suitable partner after being influenced by his parents' values. The narrative weaves together domestic life, social commentary, and reflections on the attributes of a good wife, addressing themes of character, virtue, and the societal expectations of women. The opening of the novel introduces Charles, who reflects on his upbringing and the values imparted by his parents, particularly regarding the qualities he seeks in a wife. Following the loss of both his father and mother, he is motivated to find a partner who embodies both grace and intelligence. As he prepares to venture into the broader society, he grapples with the tension between his expectations and the realities of the women he encounters. The opening chapters set a thoughtful tone, emphasizing the importance of moral character and personal compatibility in marriage, and lay the groundwork for Charles's journey of courtship and self-discovery amid societal norms and personal ideals.

Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in Coelebs In Search of a Wife, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 10 hours
  • intermediate
  • Didactic
  • Moralistic
  • Reflective

Hannah More's "Coelebs In Search of a Wife" is an early 19th-century didactic novel chronicling the journey of Charles, a young man of refined moral and religious principles, as he seeks an ideal wife. Guided by his late parents' virtues and a strict set of criteria, Charles travels through various social circles, encountering women who embody different facets of contemporary female education and societal expectations. The narrative serves as a vehicle for More's Evangelical Christian values, critiquing superficial accomplishments and advocating for genuine piety, domestic wisdom, and moral character in women. Ultimately, Charles discovers his perfect match in Lucilla Stanley, a woman whose virtues perfectly align with his lofty ideals, culminating in a union that exemplifies More's vision of an exemplary Christian marriage and household.

“To marry a woman, in hopes of making her good, is a dangerous experiment.”

Key themes

The Ideal Wife and Marriage
This is the central theme, explored through Charles's quest. More defines an ideal wife not by beauty or accomplishments alone, but by genuine piety, domestic competence, humility, intellectual substance, and moral character. Marriage is portrayed as a sacred institution, foundational to societal order, requiring careful selection based on shared virtues and religious principles.
Female Education and Accomplishments
More critically examines contemporary female education, distinguishing between superficial 'accomplishments' (music, drawing, languages learned for show) and substantive education that cultivates reason, moral fortitude, religious knowledge, and domestic skills. She argues that true education prepares women for their roles as wives and mothers, fostering genuine virtue rather than vanity.
Christian Virtue and Piety
Rooted in Hannah More's Evangelical background, this theme emphasizes the importance of genuine, practical piety over performative or nominal religiosity. True virtue is depicted as flowing from sincere faith, leading to humility, charity, self-control, and a sense of duty. This forms the bedrock of individual character and a harmonious society.

Worth discussing

How does Hannah More define the 'ideal wife' and how do these qualities compare to contemporary expectations of women in marriage?

Chapter-by-chapter breakdowns, character arcs and the full thematic analysis come with a free account.

Sign up freeLog in

Discussions

No one has started one yet

Join

Questions this book opens up

No discussions yet

Be the first to start a discussion about this book!

Sign up to start the discussion

Reviews

No reviews yet

Be the first to review this book!