Sunday 22 October 2023

Aphra Behn's "The Rover"

Hello everyone today in thise blog our main concern would be on discussing about the Aphra Behn's " The Rover ". There are some questions which we'll go through, so let's begin. 

Aphra Behn(1640-1689)

👉Angelica 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," Angelica considers financial negotiations before marriage similar to prostitution because, in the context of the play, women often had limited agency and were expected to marry for financial security. When suitors negotiate dowries or financial arrangements with a woman's family, it can be seen as treating the woman as a commodity or object to be exchanged for money, much like a transaction in prostitution. Angelica's perspective reflects the societal norms and challenges faced by women of her time, where marriage was often an economic and social contract rather than a purely romantic choice.

                                Yes I do agree, because Angelica is a complex character who values her independence and seeks a marriage based on mutual respect and consent, even though she acknowledges the importance of financial security. Prostitution is a different concept altogether and is portrayed separately in the play. The play explores themes of love, desire, and societal expectations, but it does not equate marriage negotiations with prostitution.


👉All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was he who earned them the right to speak their minds", vergina 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 who wrote those words in her essay "A Room of One's Own," which was published in 1929. The quote is about Aphra Behn, a pioneering female playwright, and novelist of the 17th century, who contributed to women's ability to express themselves through literature.

                                Yes probably I do , because "The Rover," written by Aphra Behn which was published in two parts in 1677 & 1681, it is a significant work of literature that showcases Behn's talent as a playwright and her ability to challenge societal norms of her time by writing and producing plays. Behn's work in the theater, like "The Rover," was a reflection of her pioneering spirit and her contribution to women's rights to express themselves through the arts. So, the play "The Rover" is a concrete example of how Aphra Behn earned the right for women to speak their minds through literature and drama.

                                   Aphra Behn's play reflects upon belief that by seeing a character like Angelica in a male-dominated field, other women could assert their own voices and pave the way for greater gender equality in literature and society. So, the "justification" lies in the historical significance of Aphra Behn's accomplishments as a female writer and the inspiration she provided to women in subsequent generations.


👉which female character best represents the playwright Aphra behn? Consider the characteristic and  beliefs of each each female character and make an argument that relates these distinctive attributes to what you know about Behn.

                                Aphra Behn's works featured strong and independent female characters. One of her notable characters is "Oroonoko" from her novella "Oroonoko, or the Royal Slave," who represents themes of resilience and agency. While Behn's plays also featured complex female characters, "Oroonoko" is often considered one of her most significant works with a compelling female character.

                                  Certainly! In addition to "Oroonoko," another example of a strong female character in Aphra Behn's works is Angellica Bianca from her play "The Rover." Angellica is a complex character who challenges traditional gender roles and expectations, making her one of the memorable female characters in Behn's plays.

                                Some arguments that relates the Behn's female characters often displayed qualities that mirrored her own convictions, such as independence, wit, and a challenge to societal norms.

                             Independence: Aphra Behn was a pioneering woman in the world of literature, which was predominantly male-dominated during her time. Her female characters often displayed a remarkable sense of independence, defying the societal norms that limited women's roles. They were often depicted as self-reliant and resourceful, much like Behn herself, who relied on her writing for financial independence.

                             Wit: Behn's works are known for their sharp wit and clever dialogue. Her female characters were no exception, often engaging in intellectual banter and displaying intelligence. Behn herself was a woman of intellect, and her characters reflected her belief in the importance of a woman's wit and intellect.

                          Challenging Gender Roles: Aphra Behn was a trailblazer in challenging the traditional gender roles of her era. Her female characters often defied stereotypes and societal expectations. Behn's writings conveyed her belief in the need for women to have agency and to break free from the constraints imposed by society.

                           Female Empowerment: Many of Behn's female characters embodied a sense of empowerment, both in their personal lives and their relationships. This empowerment is a reflection of Behn's own belief in the importance of women's autonomy and their ability to shape their destinies.

                              In summary, Aphra Behn's distinctive attributes as a writer, including her independence, wit, and her challenge to traditional gender roles, are closely related to the characteristics and beliefs of the female characters she portrayed in her works. Behn's works served as a platform to advocate for women's rights and to challenge the status quo, making her a significant figure in early feminist literature. 

Here below I'm sharing one video which would give you the detailed explanation of the play "The Rover".

Thank you, hope this would be helpful.






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