Aphra Behn’s The Rover

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This blog is about thinking activity of "The Rover" by Aphra Behn.

"The Rover" by Aphra Behn is a Restoration comedy set during the Carnival in Naples. It follows a group of English exiles, primarily the rakish and adventurous Willmore, as they engage in romantic escapades. The play revolves around themes of love, desire, and gender roles. Strong and independent female characters, Hellena and Florinda, challenge societal norms by actively pursuing their romantic interests. Disguise, complex relationships, and social commentary are also central to the plot. Behn's "The Rover" is known for its wit, humor, and exploration of the complexities of human relationships, making it a significant work in the Restoration comedy genre.

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1) Angellica considers the financial negotiations that one makes before marrying a prospective bride the same as prostitution. Do you agree?

In Aphra Behn's play "The Rover," Angellica's perspective on financial negotiations before marriage is influenced by her own experiences and emotions. She equates these negotiations to prostitution because of the emotional and financial sacrifices she has made for the man she loves, Willmore, only to feel betrayed. This comparison highlights the complexity of her character and her view that these negotiations can sometimes resemble a transactional relationship, where emotions and finances become intertwined. Angellica's character adds depth to the play, offering a critical perspective on societal norms and the dynamics of love and finance in her era.

2) All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.” Virginia Woolf said so in ‘A Room of One’s Own’. Do you agree with this statement? Justify your answer with reference to your reading of the play ‘The Rover’.

Virginia Woolf's statement acknowledges the importance of Aphra Behn's pioneering role in giving women a platform to express themselves. Behn was one of the first female playwrights, and her work, including 'The Rover,' challenged societal norms.

In 'The Rover,' Behn's characters, particularly Hellena and Florinda, exhibit independence and a willingness to assert their desires, defying traditional gender roles. This aligns with Woolf's sentiment that Behn "earned women the right to speak their minds."

However, it's essential to remember that the full context of Woolf's statement pertains to the broader literary and social history, whereas 'The Rover' is just one example of Behn's work. While Behn's contributions are significant, the evolution of women's rights and opportunities involved many more individuals and movements. So, while 'The Rover' exemplifies Behn's progressive ideas, it's only one piece of the larger puzzle.

Aphra Behn's Pioneering Role :

Aphra Behn, as one of the first professional female writers in English literature, broke significant barriers. Her literary contributions in the late 17th century were groundbreaking. She defied societal expectations and made a living as a writer when women's roles were largely confined to domesticity.

"The Rover" and Female Agency :

"The Rover" is a notable work in Behn's oeuvre. It features strong and assertive female characters, particularly Hellena and Florinda, who challenge traditional gender roles. Hellena, for example, actively pursues her romantic interest, demonstrating a level of female agency uncommon in the literature of the time.

Contextual Limitations :

It's crucial to recognize that while Behn's work represented progress, it was still constrained by the social norms and limitations of her era. "The Rover" also contained elements that modern readers may find problematic, such as the commodification of women and their objectification.

Virginia Woolf's Praise :

Virginia Woolf, in her essay "A Room of One's Own," celebrates Aphra Behn for being a trailblazer and contributing to the evolving status of women in literature. Woolf's statement acknowledges that progress often occurs incrementally, and Behn played a significant role in paving the way for future female authors.

Continued Struggles :

While Behn's work was a milestone, the fight for women's rights and voices continued long after her time and still persists today. Modern feminists have built upon her legacy to further challenge gender inequalities.

In conclusion, Virginia Woolf's statement underscores the historical significance of Aphra Behn's pioneering role as a female writer, particularly in works like "The Rover" where women asserted their agency. However, it's essential to recognize that Behn's achievements were within the constraints of her time, and the struggle for women's rights and voices has continued to evolve since then. While we acknowledge her historical importance, we also continue to work towards gender equality and the right for all women to freely speak their minds.

3) Which female character best represents the playwright, Aphra Behn? Consider the characteristics and beliefs of each female character, and make an argument that relates these distinctive attributes to what you know about Behn.

Aphra Behn's works often reflect her own beliefs and perspectives, making it possible to draw parallels between her and some of her female characters. One character that can be argued to best represent Aphra Behn is Hellena from her play "The Rover." Here's an argument for this connection:

Hellena in "The Rover" :

Assertive and Witty : 

Hellena is a lively and assertive character who is unafraid to express her desires and use her wit to pursue her romantic interests. Aphra Behn was known for her wit and clever writing, and these qualities are reflected in Hellena's character.

Challenging Gender Norms : 

Hellena challenges traditional gender roles of her time by taking an active role in her romantic pursuits. She defies societal expectations, just as Behn did by becoming a professional female writer in a male-dominated literary world.

Independence : 

Hellena's desire for independence and control over her destiny resonates with Aphra Behn's own pursuit of independence through her writing. Behn relied on her work for financial stability, reflecting a desire for self-sufficiency similar to Hellena's desire for autonomy in her romantic choices.

Complexity : 

Hellena, like Behn's writing, is a complex character with depth and nuance. She is not a one-dimensional figure, which is a characteristic of Behn's writing that often challenges societal conventions and explores human complexity.

Social Commentary : 

Aphra Behn used her works to comment on the society of her time, including issues of gender, power, and class. Hellena's character, while entertaining, also serves as a vehicle for social commentary, reflecting Behn's intention to engage with and challenge contemporary norms.

In sum, Hellena from "The Rover" embodies several qualities and characteristics that align with Aphra Behn's assertiveness, wit, and her inclination to challenge traditional gender norms and societal expectations. Behn's own experiences and views likely influenced the creation of Hellena as a character who reflected some of her own beliefs and characteristics.

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