The concept of virtue in Colonial America was a multifaceted patchwork of varied attributes and values. Its definition was complex and included a series of expectations emanating mainly from women, perceived as the weak point of the social order of the new republic. The most virtuous women in society were friendly, pure, innocent, docile, domestic, graceful, emotional and composed, with a number of additional traits. Virtue was instilled in women during this era through various cultural mechanisms, including literature, paintings, and domestic creations such as samplers. Say no to plagiarism. Get a tailor-made essay on “Why Violent Video Games Should Not Be Banned”? Get the original essay One of the most explicit statements about the importance of virtue to the new republic was Susanna Rowson's uplifting and sentimental novel Charlotte Temple. Subtitled “A Story of Truth,” Rowson prefaced his work by asserting that the fictional story was “not merely an outpouring of fantasy” but rather a real-life problem facing his respective society. Rowson considered her own role in the development of virtue in young women to be extremely important. She claims to provide the “service” to “direct” young women “through the various and unexpected ailments that accompany them as they first enter life.” » Throughout the novel, Rowson presents the concept of virtue boldly and directly. Perhaps the strongest evidence of this is his direct addresses to the reader. At these points in the book, Rowson turns away from the story and the characters to expressly confront the reader. “Oh my dear daughters,” she wrote, “…pray for the courage to resist the impulse of inclination when it goes against the precepts of religion and virtue.” (29) Rowson uses concise but memorable statements to convey the nature of virtue to readers, for example: “Pleasure is a vain illusion; it leads you into a thousand follies, errors and, I might say, vices, and then leaves you to deplore thoughtless credulity. (34) Rowson continues to describe Belcour's character as the manifestation of this vice. “He placed little importance on moral duties, and even less on religious duties,” she writes. Rowson also added that he was "hungry for pleasure" and demonstrated other questionable personality traits. As a young woman, Charlotte embodies the perceived weakness of the new republic. The main character is naive and easily deceived by charming men like Montraville. Thus, Rowson presents Charlotte as a bad example for all women. His errors serve as a rebuke to the book's readers. In John Trumbull's 1771 poem, "Advice to Ladies of a Certain Age," virtue plays a key role in the message given to women in colonial society. Trumbull recommended that women not focus on their appearance – although it was important, as depicted in artwork of the time – and instead realize the beauty of age. Trumbull viewed beauty as fleeting and believed that “when beauties lose their gay appearance,” virtue would remain eternal. “Virtue alone, with lasting grace, embalms the beauties of the face,” he said. The poet also warned of the threat beauty poses to men because of its ability to diminish their rational sense. Because of this perceived threat, Trumbull warned women against the coquette's lifestyle. This specific fear reflected the universal preoccupation with deception in colonial America and the new republic. Philippe's poem.”