The Rover by Aphra behn
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The Rover Wikipedia
The Rover or The Banish'd Cavaliers is a play in two parts that is written by the English author Aphra Behn. It is a revision of Thomas Killigrew's play Thomaso, or The Wanderer (1664), and features multiple plot lines, dealing with the amorous adventures of a group of Englishmen and women in Naples at Carnival time. According to Restoration poet John Dryden, it "lacks the manly vitality of Killigrew's play, but shows greater refinement of expression." The play stood for three centuries as "Behn's most popular and most respected play."
Aphra behn
Aphra Behn (/ˈæfrə bɛn/;[a] bapt. 14 December 1640[1][2] – 16 April 1689) was an English playwright, poet, prose writer and translator from the Restoration era. As one of the first English women to earn her living by her writing, she broke cultural barriers and served as a literary role model for later generations of women authors. Rising from obscurity, she came to the notice of Charles II, who employed her as a spy in Antwerp. Upon her return to London and a probable brief stay in debtors' prison, she began writing for the stage. She belonged to a coterie of poets and famous libertines such as John Wilmot, Lord Rochester. Behn wrote under the pastoral pseudonym Astrea. During the turbulent political times of the Exclusion Crisis, she wrote an epilogue and prologue that brought her legal trouble; she thereafter devoted most of her writing to prose genres and translations. A staunch supporter of the Stuart line, Behn declined an invitation from Bishop Burnet to write a welcoming poem to the new king William III. She died shortly after.[3]
Characters
Theme
"The Rover" by Aphra Behn is a Restoration comedy play that explores several themes, including:
1. *Love and Courtship*: The play examines the complexities of love, desire, and relationships, particularly in the context of courtship and marriage.
2. *Gender Roles and Identity*: Behn subverts traditional gender norms, presenting strong female characters who challenge patriarchal expectations and assert their independence.
3. *Social Class and Status*: The play critiques social hierarchies, highlighting the tensions between aristocrats and commoners, as well as the fluidity of social status.
4. *Colonialism and Imperialism*: Set in Spain and featuring English characters, the play touches on colonialist attitudes and the complexities of cultural exchange.
5. *Disguise and Deception*: Characters frequently employ disguise and deception, blurring lines between truth and fiction, and raising questions about identity and authenticity.
6. *Female Agency and Autonomy*: The female characters in the play exercise agency and autonomy, making choices that shape their own lives and destinies.
7. *Masculinity and Honor*: The play examines traditional notions of masculinity and honor, highlighting the contradictions and flaws in these societal expectations.
8. *Carnival and Social Inversion*: The play's use of carnival settings and themes allows for social inversion, where social norms are temporarily upended, and hierarchies are subverted.
Aphra Behn's "The Rover" is a rich and complex play that explores these themes and more, offering insights into the social, political, and cultural contexts of the Restoration era.
1) Angellica considers the financial negotiations that one makes before marrying a prospective bride the same as prostitution. Do you agree?
Angellica's view is a commentary on the societal norms . In the play, Angellica sees marriage as a financial transaction, where women are commodified and sold to the highest bidder. She believes that negotiating a marriage settlement is akin to prostitution because both involve exchanging sexual favors for financial gain.
While I don't have personal opinions, I can provide context. This perspective highlights the problematic aspects of arranged marriages and the societal pressures that drive them. It's important to recognize that women like Angellica were often forced into marriages for financial security, rather than love or personal choice.
In this sense, Angellica's statement is a critique of the societal norms that reduce women to their economic value, rather than seeing them as individuals with agency and autonomy. However, it's also important to acknowledge that not all marriages are solely financial transactions, and many people find love and mutual respect within their partnerships.
The play sparks important conversations about agency, consent, and the value placed on women's bodies and lives. It's crucial to continue exploring these themes and challenging harmful societal norms to create a more equitable society for all individuals.
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’.
I agree with Virginia Woolf's statement. Aphra Behn's play "The Rover" demonstrates her bold and unapologetic voice, paving the way for future generations of women writers. Here's why:
1. *Female agency and autonomy*: Behn's female characters, like Angellica and Hellena, assert their independence, make choices, and drive the plot forward. This was groundbreaking for the time.
2. *Subversion of gender norms*: Behn challenges traditional gender roles, presenting women who are intelligent, witty, and sexually empowered.
3. *Unapologetic exploration of desire*: The play openly discusses female desire, pleasure, and sexuality, breaking taboos and paving the way for future explorations.
4. *Wit and intellectual equality*: Behn's women match wits with men, showcasing intellectual parity and dismantling stereotypes.
5. *Critique of patriarchal society*: The play satirizes societal norms, highlighting the hypocrisies and double standards faced by women.
By writing "The Rover", Aphra Behn claimed space for women's voices and perspectives, earning their right to speak their minds. Her legacy empowers women to express themselves freely, making her a pioneering figure in feminist literary history. Woolf's statement honors Behn's contributions to women's literary and intellectual liberation.
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.
Based on the play "The Rover", I argue that Angellica Bianca best represents Aphra Behn. Here's why:
1. _Independence and autonomy_: Angellica is a strong-willed and independent woman who makes her own choices, much like Behn who was known for her unconventional life and decisions.
2. _Intellectual curiosity and wit_: Angellica is intelligent, witty, and engaging, mirroring Behn's own literary talent and intellectual pursuits.
3. _Unapologetic desire and sexuality_: Angellica is unashamed of her desires and expresses them openly, reflecting Behn's own exploration of female sexuality in her writing.
4. _Critique of societal norms_: Angellica challenges the societal expectations placed upon women, much like Behn's own critiques of patriarchal society in her plays and writings.
5. _Agency and self-determination_: Angellica takes control of her life and makes decisions that shape her own destiny, echoing Behn's own agency and self-determination as a woman writer in a male-dominated field.
While Hellena also exhibits some of these qualities, Angellica's complexity and depth make her a stronger representation of Behn. Angellica's character embodies the playwright's values, intellect, and spirit, making her the most fitting representation of Aphra Behn.
