Aphra Behn’s The Rover (TH)

 

The Rover

• The Rover overview

One of Aphra Behn's most successful and celebrated plays, The Rover is a classic Restoration comedy, dealing with the romantic intrigues of a group of English gentlemen on holiday in Naples over carnival weekend.

• introduction about poet 

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a pioneering English playwright, poet, and novelist, and is often considered one of the first professional female writers in the English language. Her works were influential in the early development of the English novel, and she is best known for her playwriting, which challenged societal norms and explored themes of gender, race, and power. Behn's most famous works include plays like "The Rover" and "Oroonoko," which are notable for their strong female characters and exploration of colonial and racial issues. Her contributions to literature paved the way for future generations of women writers, and she remains an important figure in the history of English literature.

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

Whether one agrees with Angellica's perspective that financial negotiations before marriage are the same as prostitution is a matter of personal opinion and can vary widely depending on cultural, social, and individual beliefs.

Some people may agree with Angellica and see certain types of arranged marriages or dowry systems as transactional and exploitative, akin to prostitution in the sense that personal and financial interests often take precedence. Others may not equate the two and view marriage as a complex institution with cultural, emotional, and legal dimensions that extend beyond financial considerations.

The comparison between financial negotiations in marriage and prostitution may also depend on the specific context and practices being referred to. In some cases, it could be seen as a valid critique of harmful traditions, while in others, it might not apply.

Ultimately, the perception of this issue is subjective and open to interpretation. Society's evolving views on marriage, gender roles, and individual autonomy have led to changing perspectives on these matters.

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 in 'A Room of One's Own' praising Aphra Behn for earning women the right to speak their minds in literature is a recognition of Behn's pioneering role in a male-dominated literary world. While Behn's contributions to literature and women's voices are significant, the agreement with Woolf's statement can vary depending on one's perspective and their reading of Behn's works like 'The Rover.'

1. Feminist Perspective: 'The Rover' by Aphra Behn is often seen as a feminist work because it challenges traditional gender roles and societal norms. The play features strong female characters like Hellena, Florinda, and Angellica who assert their desires and choices in a male-dominated world. They engage in witty and bold dialogue, and their actions highlight their agency. This aligns with the idea that Behn paved the way for women to speak their minds through literature.

2. Subversive Themes: In 'The Rover,' Behn explores themes of love, desire, and power dynamics. The female characters are not passive; they actively pursue their romantic interests and confront the constraints placed upon them. This challenges the traditional representation of women in literature and gives them a voice in matters of love and desire.

3. Social Critique: 'The Rover' can be seen as a social critique of the double standards and hypocrisies of the society it portrays. The male characters engage in libertine behavior while simultaneously attempting to control the women's choices, which Behn critiques through her female characters.

While 'The Rover' demonstrates Behn's commitment to representing the voices and agency of women in literature, it's important to consider that literature is open to interpretation. Some readers may argue that, even though Behn was groundbreaking in her time, her works may still reflect certain societal norms and prejudices of the 17th century.

In conclusion, the statement by Virginia Woolf underscores the significance of Aphra Behn's contribution to women's voices in literature. Behn's work, including 'The Rover,' challenges traditional gender roles and provides a platform for women to express their desires and opinions. Whether one fully agrees with Woolf's statement depends on their interpretation of Behn's work and their recognition of her historical context. While Behn played a vital role in advancing women's literary rights, individual opinions may vary based on their assessment of her works and the extent of her influence.

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.

In Aphra Behn's play "The Rover," there are several female characters, each with their own distinctive attributes and beliefs. One character who is often considered to best represent the playwright, Aphra Behn, is Hellena. Here's an argument connecting Hellena's characteristics and beliefs to what is known about Behn:

1. Wit and Cleverness: Hellena is known for her sharp wit and cleverness. She engages in playful and witty banter with other characters, displaying her intelligence and quick thinking. Aphra Behn herself was celebrated for her wit and skill as a playwright and writer. In her own writing, she exhibited a clever and sharp literary style.

2. Independence and Defiance: Hellena is a character who seeks independence and is willing to defy societal norms to pursue her desires. She is determined to choose her own love interest, rather than submitting to her brother's wishes. This mirrors Aphra Behn's own defiance of societal norms and expectations for women in the 17th century. Behn's career as a female playwright was itself an act of defiance against the norms of her time.

3. Embracing Freedom and Love: Hellena embraces the theme of love and freedom in the play, which aligns with Aphra Behn's own beliefs. Behn's works often explored themes of love, desire, and personal freedom. She believed in the expression of one's emotions and desires, and Hellena's character embodies this belief through her pursuit of love and happiness.

4. Boldness and Agency: Hellena is not a passive character. She takes bold actions and displays agency in the play. She actively pursues her romantic interests and makes her own choices. Aphra Behn, as a female playwright in a male-dominated field, displayed a similar kind of boldness and agency in her writing and career.

5. Challenging Gender Roles: Hellena challenges traditional gender roles and expectations in the play. This aligns with Aphra Behn's own role as a trailblazing female writer challenging the gender norms of her time. Behn's works often featured strong and independent female characters, and Hellena is no exception.

In summary, Hellena in "The Rover" can be seen as a character who best represents Aphra Behn due to her wit, independence, defiance of societal norms, embrace of love and freedom, boldness, and her challenge to traditional gender roles. These characteristics and beliefs align with what is known about Behn's own life and career as a pioneering female playwright and writer in the 17th century.

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