Thinking Activity - The Rover by Aphra Behn

 HELLO READERS,

This blog is a part of thinking activity assigned by Megha Ma'ma (Assi. Professor of  Department of English MKB University). In this blog I will try to define some questions about  a play named "The Rover" by Aphra Behn.

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

Aphra Behn's play "The Rover" explores themes of love, desire, and gender roles in a 17th-century setting, and it features complex relationships and interactions. However, it's essential to understand that the views and norms in the play are reflective of that historical context.

In modern society, financial negotiations before marriage are generally about legal and financial planning and are not considered the same as prostitution. The comparison may have been more relevant in the context of the play's characters and their time, but today, the two concepts are distinct.

Angellica makes a good point; marriage and prostitution are both relationships that are customarily contingent, to varying degrees, upon financial considerations. They are of course not entirely the same, but it would seem hypocritical to denounce one and participate in the other. The point of this statement is to acknowledge that marriage can be just as amoral as prostitution if one considers placing a monetary value on love the reason behind prostitution’s amorality. In my opinion Angellica made the similarieties between this two things of current society. So, that things make the sense.

Q. - "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'. 

Yes, I agree because, Virginia Woolf's statement is a tribute to Aphra Behn, one of the earliest known female playwrights, and it acknowledges her contribution to women's ability to express their thoughts and ideas. While I don't have direct access to specific readings of 'The Rover,' I can provide some context.

'The Rover' is one of Aphra Behn's most famous plays and reflects the spirit of the Restoration period, a time when women's voices and perspectives in the arts were gaining more recognition. Behn's work challenged traditional gender roles and provided a platform for women to express themselves. Her bold and pioneering writing can be seen as a tangible example supporting Woolf's statement.

However, it's important to note that the interpretation of any literary work can vary, and not everyone might agree with Woolf's sentiment. Some might argue that women's rights and their ability to express themselves were influenced by various historical and cultural factors, not solely the work of one individual.

In conclusion, while 'The Rover' and Aphra Behn's writings played a significant role in advancing women's voices in literature, the broader context of women's rights and their ability to speak their minds is a complex issue influenced by various factors throughout history. Woolf's statement acknowledges a part of this historical process but may not be the sole reason for women's freedom of expression.

Q. - 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.

Aphra Behn's works often featured strong and complex female characters who defied societal norms of her time. One character that can be seen as a representation of Behn herself, to some extent, is Angelica Bianca from her play 'The Rover.' Here's why:

1. Independence and Wit : Angelica Bianca is a witty and independent character. Aphra Behn was known for her wit and intelligence, and she used her writing to assert her independence. Like Behn, Angelica refuses to be confined by the limitations placed on women in her society.

2. Sexuality and Freedom : Angelica's character is unapologetic about her sexuality and desires. Aphra Behn often wrote about women who were unafraid to express their desires and take control of their own lives, which challenged the norms of her time.

3. Social Commentary : Behn's writing often contained social and political commentary. Angelica's character, with her outspokenness and her actions, serves as a vehicle for commenting on the society of the Restoration period, particularly the position of women.

4. Complexity : Like Behn, Angelica is a multifaceted character. She can be both playful and serious, which is a characteristic often seen in Behn's writing. This complexity adds depth to both the character and the playwright.

It's important to remember that while Angelica may reflect certain aspects of Aphra Behn, characters in literature are rarely direct representations of their creators. Behn's characters, including Angelica, were created within the context of their respective stories and should be seen as fictional individuals with unique qualities. Nevertheless, Angelica's independence, wit, and defiance of societal norms resonate with the attributes and beliefs associated with Aphra Behn herself.

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