Aphra Behn’s The Rover

Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn ( 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.

Angellica’s Perspective on Marriage and Prostitution

Angellica’s critique of marriage in The Rover draws an explicit parallel between marital arrangements and prostitution, challenging the societal norms of Aphra Behn’s time. As a courtesan, Angellica experiences firsthand how women are commodified and valued based on their physical allure and the wealth of those who desire them. Her insight reveals that in both marriage and prostitution, women’s bodies and virtues are exchanged for material gain or social standing. Behn provocatively aligns these two practices to expose the transactional nature of relationships in a patriarchal society.

In the 17th century, marriage was often less about love and more about economic alliances, inheritance, and property. Women were rarely granted financial independence and depended on marriage or patronage for survival. Angellica’s disdain for this reality emerges when she compares the “honorable” institution of marriage to her own profession, pointing out the hypocrisy of a system that condemns courtesans while celebrating marriages based on financial negotiation.

Do I agree?

Yes, to an extent. Angellica’s critique is both bold and incisive, exposing the underlying economic dynamics that have historically shaped relationships. While marriage today is often idealized as a partnership founded on love and mutual respect, its historical roots as a contractual exchange of property, status, and wealth cannot be ignored. Behn uses Angellica’s cynicism to critique how societal structures force women into negotiations that commodify their worth. This critique remains relevant in modern contexts, as economic considerations still influence relationships in subtle but significant ways. Angellica’s lament serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring need to dismantle systems that commodify women’s lives and choices.

virginia Woolf’s Tribute to Aphra Behn

In A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf famously declares that “all women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn,” recognizing her as a trailblazer for women writers. Behn’s career as a professional playwright in the male-dominated literary world of the 17th century was revolutionary. Her success not only challenged societal norms but also opened doors for future generations of women to express themselves through literature.

In The Rover, Behn’s bold themes and complex characters illustrate her defiance of traditional gender roles. Women like Hellena and Florinda actively resist societal constraints, asserting their agency and independence. Hellena’s pursuit of love on her own terms exemplifies a feminist spirit, as she rejects her family’s attempts to confine her to a convent. Similarly, Florinda’s determination to marry for love instead of status challenges the commodification of women within marriage. Even Angellica, despite her profession as a courtesan, critiques societal hypocrisy and exposes the double standards that govern women’s lives.

Do I agree?

Absolutely. Behn’s fearless engagement with themes of love, freedom, and power justifies Woolf’s praise. She was among the first women to earn a living through her writing, proving that women could succeed in the literary world. Her works, particularly The Rover, paved the way for later writers like Jane Austen and Virginia Woolf herself to explore themes of gender, autonomy, and social critique. Woolf’s tribute underscores Behn’s enduring legacy as a pioneer who made it possible for women to claim their voices in literature.

Which Female Character Best Represents Aphra Behn?

Among the female characters in The Rover, Hellena stands out as the most representative of Aphra Behn’s own persona. Hellena is witty, audacious, and unafraid to defy societal norms—qualities that align closely with Behn’s life and career. Like Behn, Hellena rejects the roles imposed upon her by a patriarchal society, asserting her independence and pursuing her desires with confidence.

Why Hellena?

1. Independence:

Hellena’s refusal to accept a life confined to a convent mirrors Behn’s own rejection of traditional roles for women. Behn, a financially independent playwright, navigated a male-dominated world with remarkable resilience, much like Hellena’s defiance of societal constraints. Both women prioritize freedom and autonomy, refusing to be defined by societal expectations.

2. Wit and Intelligence:

Hellena’s sharp wit and strategic thinking reflect Behn’s intellectual prowess. In her interactions with Willmore, Hellena demonstrates her ability to match him in wit and charm, asserting herself as an equal partner. Behn’s skillful portrayal of such a character reveals her own ability to craft narratives that challenge conventional gender dynamics.

3. Defiance of Norms:

Both Hellena and Behn challenge traditional notions of female submission. Hellena’s pursuit of love and adventure contrasts sharply with the passive roles often assigned to women in literature of the time. Similarly, Behn’s career as a professional writer defied the expectations of her era, asserting women’s right to participate in public and intellectual life.

Other Contenders:

While other female characters in The Rover also embody aspects of Behn’s beliefs, they lack the same vitality and agency as Hellena. Angellica, for instance, represents a more tragic and cynical critique of patriarchy, while Florinda’s resistance to forced marriage is less dynamic compared to Hellena’s active pursuit of her desires.

Conclusion:

Hellena best embodies the spirit of Aphra Behn, representing her courage, wit, and defiance of societal norms. Through Hellena, Behn challenges the traditional roles assigned to women, advocating for autonomy and equality. This alignment makes Hellena the character most reflective of Behn’s beliefs and persona, cementing her role as a symbol of resistance and resilience.