Alonzo and Melissa; Or, The Unfeeling Father: An American Tale

"Alonzo and Melissa; Or, The Unfeeling Father: An American Tale" by I. Mitchell is an early American novel chronicling a love challenged by social expectations and economic realities. It tells the story of Alonzo, a romantic young man, and Melissa, a charming young woman, as they fall in love in a time of great change. Their connection, formed through shared moments and heartfelt conversations, faces a formidable obstacle: Melissa's father. After Alonzo experiences a financial hardship, Melissa’s father pushes her toward a marriage with the wealthy Beauman. This sets up a conflict where Melissa must choose between her genuine love for Alonzo and her duty to obey her father's wishes, highlighting themes of morality and the difficulties of young love in a world shaped by money and power,