Defining Virtue in Colonial America

The concept of virtue in colonial America was a complex and multifaceted construct, intricately woven into the fabric of society. It encompassed a broad spectrum of attributes and values, with a particular emphasis on the expectations placed upon women. Perceived as the cornerstone of moral integrity, women were seen as both the guardians of virtue and the potential weak links in the social order of the new republic. The most virtuous women were characterized by traits such as sympathy, purity, innocence, compliance, domesticity, grace, emotional depth, and poise. These ideals were reinforced through various cultural mechanisms, including literature, art, and domestic crafts like needlework samplers.

The Role of Literature in Defining Virtue

One of the most significant literary contributions to the discourse on virtue was Susanna Rowson’s cautionary novel, Charlotte Temple. Subtitled “A Tale of Truth,” Rowson emphasized that her narrative was not merely a flight of fancy but rather a reflection of the real challenges faced by women in her society. She viewed her role in shaping the virtue of young women as paramount, claiming to offer guidance to help them navigate the perils that accompanied their entry into adulthood.

Rowson boldly articulated the concept of virtue throughout her novel, particularly in her direct addresses to the reader. She implores, “Oh my dear girls, … pray for fortitude to resist the impulse of inclination when it runs counter to the precepts of religion and virtue.” This plea underscores the moral dilemmas young women faced and the importance of adhering to virtuous principles.

Rowson’s memorable aphorisms further elucidate the nature of virtue. For instance, she warns, “Pleasure is a vain illusion; she draws you on to a thousand follies, errors, and I may say vices, and then leaves you to deplore thoughtless credulity.” Through her characterization of Belcour, Rowson critiques the lack of moral duty and the pursuit of pleasure that leads to vice, warning young women of the seductive dangers presented by charming yet morally ambiguous men.

The protagonist, Charlotte, embodies the perceived vulnerability of women in the new republic. Her naivety and susceptibility to manipulation by men like Montraville serve as cautionary tales for readers, illustrating the consequences of failing to uphold virtuous standards.

Poetic Reflections on Virtue

In John Trumbull’s 1771 poem, “Advice to Ladies of a Certain Age,” virtue emerges as a central theme in his counsel to women. Trumbull urged women to shift their focus from fleeting physical beauty to the enduring qualities of virtue. He posited that as beauty fades, virtue remains eternal, stating, “Virtue alone with lasting grace, embalms the beauties of the face.” This perspective highlights the transient nature of physical allure and the lasting significance of moral integrity.

Trumbull also cautioned against the dangers of beauty, warning that it could cloud men’s rational judgment. His fear of the coquette—a woman who uses her charm to manipulate—reflects broader societal anxieties about deception and the moral implications of feminine allure in colonial America.

Visual Arts and Domesticity

The importance of virtue was not confined to literature and poetry; it was also prominently featured in the visual arts. Many paintings from this era depicted women engaged in domestic activities, reinforcing their roles as moral guardians within the home. For example, John Smibert’s 1729 painting, “Mrs. Francis Brinley,” portrays a woman holding a child, symbolizing motherhood and domesticity. Similarly, other portraits, such as “Mrs. Maria Taylor” by Charles Bridges and “Portrait of Catryna van Rensselaer ten Broeck” by Nehemiah Partridge, place women within domestic settings, emphasizing their roles as nurturers and moral exemplars.

These artistic representations often mirrored societal values, with younger women depicted as idealized figures, while older women were sometimes portrayed in a more homely manner. However, some elite women were rendered more attractively, reflecting the upper class's emphasis on physical appearance and aesthetic desirability.

Needlework as a Reflection of Virtue

Cultural leaders were not alone in the endeavor to define and disseminate the concept of virtue; women actively participated in this effort through needlework. The creation of samplers served as both a reflection and reinforcement of the ideals of virtue in 18th-century society. An example is Cynthia Burr’s 1786 embroidery sampler, which prominently features the phrase “Let virtue be a guide to thee.” This simple yet profound statement, surrounded by imagery of a picturesque home and flowers symbolizing fertility, encapsulates the domestic virtues that women were expected to embody.

The pervasive influence of virtue in colonial America is evident across various cultural mediums. From novels and poetry to paintings and needlework, these representations served to reinforce the societal expectations placed upon women, who were seen as the custodians of moral integrity in the new republic. As the fledgling nation sought to define its identity, the emphasis on virtue was a concerted effort to prevent a moral decline, ensuring that women remained steadfast in their roles as the embodiment of virtue.

Conclusion

In summary, the notion of virtue in colonial America was a vital aspect of the cultural landscape, deeply ingrained in the expectations of women. Through literature, art, and domestic crafts, society sought to instill and uphold these ideals, reflecting a collective desire to cultivate a morally sound citizenry. The struggle to define and maintain virtue was emblematic of the broader societal aspirations of a nation striving for moral and ethical integrity.

References:

• Rowson, Susanna. Charlotte Temple. 1791.
• Trumbull, John. Advice to Ladies of a Certain Age. 1771.
• Freneau, Philip. Constantia. 1797.
• Smibert, John. “Mrs. Francis Brinley.” 1729.
• Burr, Cynthia. 1786 Embroidery Sampler.