"The Rover" by Aphra Behn

"The Rover"

Aphra Behn

Introduction :-

"The Rover" is a play and this play written by Aphra Behn. This play published in the year 1677. The meaning of the 'Rover' is a person who wanderer. The setting of the play "The Rover" is in the Naples, Italy and time was 1640s-50s, London Duke's Theatre. "The Rover" is the play about four English men and their story about wanderer.

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) :-

Aphra Behn one of the most prominent writer in the world of English literature. Aphra Behn, as a playwright and novelist in the 17th century. Aphra Behn faced the many challenges in her life and she faced many of difficulties in her writing career as well as living. Aphra Behn was an English playwright, poet, prose writer and transletor from the Restoration era.

She is remembered in Virginia Woolf's A Room of One's Own: "All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn which is, most scandalously but rather appropriately, in Westminster Abbey, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds."

Aphra Behn (1640-1689)

Major works of Aphra Behn :-

Plays :-

1. "The Dutch lover" (1673)

2. "The Rover" (1677)

3. "The young king" (1684)

4. "The emperor of the moon" (1687)

Poetry collections :-

1. "The fair Jilt" (1688)

2. "Oroonoko" (1688)

3. "The lucky mistake" (1689)

Prose :-

1. "The adventure of the black Lady"

2. "The unfortunate Bride"

3. "The wandering Beauty"

Now let's discuss about various Questions...

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

A-1.

Comparing financial negotiations before marriage to prostitution is a matter of personal perspective and cultural context. In some cultures or historical contexts, such negotiations were seen as a form of transaction, while in others, they were considered an integral part of arranging a marriage. Opinions on this issue can vary widely, and it depends on one's cultural, ethical, and personal beliefs. As per today's culture money is the central part in every human being. Without money we can not able to live in the world. So for that financial negotiations are the very prominent matter in the life of Angelica. I'm not properly agreed with this argument but yes, follow the rules and culture context is must be significant in any kind of works.

Q-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".

A-2.

'A room of one's own' this is known as an Essay by Virginia Woolf.

Virginia Woolf's statement in "A Room of One's Own" acknowledges the importance of Aphra Behn in paving the way for women to express themselves through literature. Aphra Behn was a groundbreaking female playwright and novelist in the 17th century, and her work did contribute to women's voices being heard in a predominantly male-dominated literary world. Aphra Behn faced the many difficulties in her life time. During that time or period Aphra Behn and many other women faced out the problems like.. class conflict, gender equality, lack of respect, lack of place in society, and everything.

Regarding some acknowledgement of the play "The Rover," it's important to note that "The Rover" is actually a play written by Aphra Behn herself. This work is considered one of her significant contributions to world of English literature, and it portrays strong, independent female characters who defy societal expectations. In this context, Woolf's statement is reinforced by the fact that Behn's work, like "The Rover," challenges traditional gender roles and offers a platform for women to express themselves. Women express their own identity, own self, own thoughts and own understanding in her life and society culture .

So, I would agree with Virginia Woolf's statement, and "The Rover" is a prime example of Aphra Behn's work that supports this perspective.

Q-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.

A-3.

Aphra Behn was known for her progressive views and her challenge of traditional gender roles. In examining her work, the character that best represents her might be Hellena from her play "The Rover."

Hellena is independent, witty, and unafraid to express her desires and opinions openly. She goes against the expectations of her brother and other male characters in the play, actively pursuing her romantic interests.

Basic characteristics of Hellena :-

Aphra Behn, as a female writer in a male-dominated literary world, likely shared some of Hellena's characteristics. Behn's writing often featured strong, independent female characters who asserted their agency and desires. She used her work to challenge the status quo and advocate for women's rights and voices in a society that often silenced them.

Hellena's outspoken and independent nature in "The Rover" mirrors Aphra Behn's own determination to be a voice for women and to challenge the conventions of her time. So, Hellena can be seen as a character who best represents Aphra Behn's own beliefs and characteristics.

Conclusion :-

Aphra Behn was one of the most prominent figure in the English Literature time. Aphra Behn was the explore her writing skill with the dedication. Aphra Behn became the voice of many women in the society. Aphra Behn fought for her interpretations, her place, gender equality and many more. Hellena is the best representative character of Aphra Behn is from her play "The Rover".

Reference :-

Some good video sources from YouTube...