APHRA BEHN'S "THE ROVER" (TH)

 

Hello everyone I'm going to write my blog on "THE ROVER" by "APHRA BEHN"; Task given by Megha Ma'am Trivedi.

> In this blog I'm dealing with these 3 questions,.. 

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

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’.

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.

# FIRST LET'S DISCUSS BIOGRAPHY OF "APHRA BEHN",... 

Aphra Behn, (born 1640?, Harbledown?, Kent, England—died April 16, 1689, London), English dramatist, fiction writer, and poet who was the first Englishwoman known to earn her living by writing.

Her origin remains a mystery, in part because Behn may have deliberately obscured her early life. One tradition identifies Behn as the child known only as Ayfara or Aphra who traveled in the 1650s with a couple named Amis to Suriname, which was then an English possession. She was more likely the daughter of a barber, Bartholomew Johnson, who may or may not have sailed with her and the rest of her family to Suriname in 1663. She returned to England in 1664 and married a merchant named Behn; he died (or the couple separated) soon after. Her wit and talent having brought her into high esteem, she was employed by King Charles II in secret service in the Netherlands in 1666. Unrewarded and briefly imprisoned for debt, she began to write to support herself.

Though Behn wrote many plays, her fiction today draws more interest. Her short novel Oroonoko (1688) tells the story of an enslaved African prince whom Behn claimed to have known in South America. Its engagement with the themes of slavery, race, and gender, as well as its influence on the development of the English novel, helped to make it, by the turn of the 21st century, her best-known work. Behn’s other fiction included the multipart epistolary novel Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister (1684–87) and The Fair Jilt (1688).

Behn’s versatility, like her output, was immense; she wrote other popular works of fiction, and she often adapted works by older dramatists. She also wrote poetry, the bulk of which was collected in Poems upon Several Occasions, with A Voyage to the Island of Love (1684) and Lycidus; or, The Lover in Fashion (1688). Behn’s charm and generosity won her a wide circle of friends, and her relative freedom as a professional writer, as well as the subject matter of her works, made her the object of some scandal.

# Now let's Discuss all 3 questions in detail,... 

QUE:1 Angellica considers the financial negotiations that one makes before marrying a prospective bride the same as prostitution. Do you agree?

ANS. 

# Introduction:-

Financial negotiations before marriage and prostitution are two very different things. On the one hand, financial negotiations are a way for couples to discuss their financial expectations and goals before they get married. This can help them to avoid financial problems down the road and to create a strong financial foundation for their marriage. On the other hand, prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity for money. It is a form of exploitation and violence against women and girls.

> Comparing and contrasting financial negotiations before marriage and prostitution,... 

∆ Financial negotiations before marriage:-

• Purpose: To discuss financial expectations and goals before marriage.
• Parties involved: Two consenting adults.
• Power dynamics: Generally equal.
• Consent: Both parties must consent to the negotiations.
• Outcomes: A variety of outcomes are possible, such as prenups, postnups, and joint financial planning.

∆ Prostitution:-

• Purpose: To engage in sexual activity for money.
• Parties involved: A person selling sex and a person buying sex.
• Power dynamics: Unequal, with the person buying sex having more power.
• Consent: Consent is often coerced or obtained through deception.
• Outcomes: The person selling sex is paid for their services.

∆ Similarities:-

• Both financial negotiations before marriage and prostitution involve the exchange of money for something of value.
• Both can be seen as ways to improve one's financial situation.

∆ Differences:-

• The purpose of financial negotiations before marriage is to create a strong financial foundation for a marriage, while the purpose of prostitution is to engage in sexual activity for money.
• Financial negotiations before marriage are typically conducted between two consenting adults with equal power dynamics, while prostitution is often conducted between people with unequal power dynamics.
• Consent is essential for financial negotiations before marriage, but it is often coerced or obtained through deception in prostitution. 
• The outcomes of financial negotiations before marriage can vary, but the outcome of prostitution is always the same: the person selling sex is paid for their services. 

> According to Angelica's View,... 

Angellica's view that financial negotiations before marriage are the same as prostitution is a dangerous and harmful one. It perpetuates the myth that women are commodities who can be bought and sold. It also ignores the reality that prostitution is a form of exploitation and violence against women and girls.

Financial negotiations before marriage are a normal and healthy part of any relationship. They are a way for couples to communicate about their financial expectations and goals. They can also help couples to avoid financial problems down the road.

Prostitution, on the other hand, is a form of exploitation and violence against women and girls. It is a system in which women and girls are forced to sell their bodies in order to survive. Prostitution is illegal in many countries, and it is not something that should be compared to financial negotiations before marriage.

Angellica's view is also harmful because it discourages women from negotiating for the financial support they need and deserve. It is important for women to be able to negotiate for themselves, both in their relationships and in their careers.

If you are considering getting married, it is important to have financial negotiations with your partner. These negotiations should be open and honest. You should both be willing to share your financial information and to discuss your expectations and goals. You should also both be willing to compromise.

Financial negotiations before marriage are not the same as prostitution. They are a normal and healthy part of any relationship.

# Conclusion:-

Financial negotiations before marriage and prostitution are two very different things. Financial negotiations are a way for couples to discuss their financial expectations and goals before they get married, while prostitution is the act of engaging in sexual activity for money. Financial negotiations are typically conducted between two consenting adults with equal power dynamics, while prostitution is often conducted between people with unequal power dynamics. Consent is essential for financial negotiations before marriage, but it is often coerced or obtained through deception in prostitution. The outcomes of financial negotiations before marriage can vary, but the outcome of prostitution is always the same: the person selling sex is paid for their services.

QUE: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’.

ANS.

# INTRODUCTION:-

Does Virginia Woolf's statement about Aphra Behn's role in women's right to speak their minds hold true?

Virginia Woolf's statement in A Room of One's Own that Aphra Behn "earned women the right to speak their minds" is a bold one, but it is certainly supported by Behn's play The Rover. Written in 1677, The Rover is a comedy about a group of English gentlemen and their romantic escapades in Naples. However, beneath its lighthearted exterior, the play explores a number of serious issues, including the role of women in society and the importance of individual freedom.

Another strong female character in The Rover is Florinda, a young woman who has been disguised as a man in order to escape her abusive father. Florinda is intelligent, resourceful, and courageous. She is also deeply passionate about her love for Belvile.

In addition to its strong female characters, The Rover also explores the importance of individual freedom. Behn's characters are all struggling to break free from the constraints of society. They want to be able to make their own choices and live their lives as they see fit. This is particularly true of Hellena, who is determined to live an independent life on her own terms.

> How does The Rover relate to women's right to speak their minds?,.. 

Behn's play is significant because it challenges the traditional view of women as passive and subservient creatures. Her female characters are intelligent, independent, and outspoken. They are not afraid to express their opinions or stand up for what they believe in. This is an important message for women, both in the 17th century and today.

In addition, The Rover promotes the importance of individual freedom. Behn's characters are all struggling to break free from the constraints of society. They want to be able to make their own choices and live their lives as they see fit. This is a message that resonates with women all over the world.

> In additional information also we can say that,... 

In additionhere are some specific examples from the play that support Woolf's statement:

• In Act I, Scene i, Hellena rejects the advances of Don Antonio, a wealthy Spanish nobleman. She tells him that she is not interested in marriage and that she prefers to remain independent.
• In Act II, Scene i, Florinda challenges Don Antonio to a duel. She is disguised as a man, but she is still able to defeat him in combat.
• In Act IV, Scene ii, Hellena and Florinda deliver a scathing critique of the patriarchal society in which they live. They argue that women are just as intelligent and capable as men, but they are denied the same opportunities.

# BEYOND THE ROVER,.. 

In addition to The Rover, Behn wrote a number of other plays and poems that explore women's issues. For example, her play The Widow Ranter features a female protagonist who is a cross-dressing pirate. And her poem "To Sir Charles Sedley" criticizes the double standards that were applied to men and women in her time.

Behn's work was groundbreaking for its time, and it had a significant impact on other women writers. For example, Mary Astell and Margaret Cavendish were both inspired by Behn's work to write their own feminist treatises

Behn's legacy is still felt today. She is considered to be one of the most important feminist writers of the 17th century. And her work continues to inspire women all over the world.

# Conclusion:-

  In conclusion, I agree with Virginia Woolf's statement that Aphra Behn "earned women the right to speak their minds." Behn's work, particularly her play The Rover, is groundbreaking in its portrayal of strong, independent, and outspoken female characters. Through her work, Behn challenged the traditional view of women as passive and submissive creatures, and she helped to pave the way for future generations of women to speak their minds freely.

QUE: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.

ANS. 

* Helena: A Portrait of Aphra Behn*

# INTRODUCTION:-

Hellena from Behn's play The Rover is the female character who best represents the playwright herself. Hellena is a witty, intelligent, and independent woman who challenges the social and gender norms of her time. She is also a successful businesswoman and a skilled manipulator. Behn herself was a woman who broke down barriers and challenged the status quo. She was the first professional female playwright in England, and she wrote about controversial topics such as female sexuality and gender equality.

Aphra Behn was a remarkable woman for her time. She was a successful playwright, poet, and novelist, and she broke many barriers for women in the arts. She was also a strong advocate for women's rights and independence.

Many of Behn's female characters share her own qualities of intelligence, wit, and determination. However, none of her characters embodies these qualities more fully than Hellena, the protagonist of her play The Rover.

Hellena is a bold, independent woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. She is also highly intelligent and witty. In one scene, she gives a scathing critique of the double standards that existed for men and women in her society. She argues that men are allowed to have sexual freedom without being judged, while women are punished for the same behavior.

Hellena is also a very resourceful and capable woman. When she is captured by pirates, she manages to outsmart them and escape. She also succeeds in winning the heart of the titular rover, Willmore, despite his initial reluctance to marry her.

In many ways, Hellena is a reflection of Behn herself. Behn was a woman who lived life on her own terms. She refused to be bound by the social conventions of her time. She was also a successful businesswoman who supported herself through her writing.

> Here are some specific examples of how Hellena's character and beliefs relate to what we know about Behn:

• Hellena is a strong advocate for women's rights and independence. Behn was also a strong advocate for women's rights. She wrote several essays and poems on the subject, and she often challenged the patriarchal norms of her society in her plays.
• Hellena is intelligent and witty. Behn was also a highly intelligent and witty woman. Her plays are full of clever dialogue and social commentary.
• Hellena is resourceful and capable. Behn was also a resourceful and capable woman. She supported herself through her writing, and she was able to overcome many challenges in her life.
• Hellena is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Behn was also a woman who was not afraid to challenge the status quo. She broke many barriers for women in the arts, and she often wrote about controversial topics in her work.

Overall, Hellena is the female character in Behn's work who best embodies the playwright's own qualities and beliefs. She is a strong, independent, intelligent, and resourceful woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo.

> How Hellena's character relates to Behn's own life,...

Behn's life was full of challenges and setbacks. She was orphaned at a young age, and she was forced to support herself financially from a young age. She also married a man who was much older than her, and he died after only a few years of marriage.

Despite these challenges, Behn went on to become a successful playwright and novelist. She was the first woman to earn a living from her writing, and she was one of the most popular playwrights of her time.

Behn's work often deals with themes of gender roles, social injustice, and female empowerment. She was a strong advocate for women's rights and independence, and her work challenged the patriarchal norms of her society.

Hellena's character in The Rover is a reflection of Behn's own strength, determination, and resilience. Hellena is a woman who overcomes many obstacles in order to achieve her goals. She is also a woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo.

# Conclusion:-

Hellena is the female character in Behn's work who best embodies the playwright's own qualities and beliefs. She is a strong, independent, intelligent, and resourceful woman who is not afraid to challenge the status quo. Hellena's character is a reflection of Behn's own strength, determination, and resilience.

 #considering the characteristics and beliefs of each female character,...

Aphra Behn's The Rover is a Restoration comedy that features a cast of strong and independent female characters. Florinda, Hellena, and Angellica Bianca are all women who challenge the social and sexual norms of their time. Their distinctive attributes reflect Behn's own beliefs about the role of women in society.

Florinda is a young woman who is forced into a loveless marriage by her father. She is intelligent, resourceful, and determined to escape her fate. Florinda disguises herself as a man in order to attend a carnival, where she meets and falls in love with Belvile. Florinda's willingness to defy her father and take control of her own life is a testament to her strength and independence.

Hellena is Florinda's sister, and she is also forced into a loveless marriage by her father. However, Hellena is more cynical than Florinda, and she believes that the only way for women to survive in a patriarchal society is to manipulate men. Hellena disguises herself as a nun in order to attend the carnival, where she meets and seduces Willmore, a wealthy and libertine English gentleman. Hellena's cynicism and willingness to use her sexuality to her advantage reflect her belief that women must be cunning and resourceful in order to survive in a male-dominated world.

Angellica Bianca is a famous courtesan who returns to Naples to put herself up for sale. Angellica is beautiful, intelligent, and witty. She is also fiercely independent and refuses to be controlled by any man. Angellica's success in the male-dominated world of prostitution is a testament to her strength and determination.

The distinctive characteristics of Florinda, Hellena, and Angellica Bianca reflect Behn's own beliefs about the role of women in society. Behn was a feminist writer who advocated for the rights of women. She believed that women were intelligent and capable beings who should be free to make their own choices about their lives. Behn's female characters challenge the traditional gender roles of their time by being intelligent, resourceful, and independent.

In addition to her feminist beliefs, Behn was also a realist. She knew that women lived in a patriarchal society, and she wrote about the challenges that women faced in such a society. Florinda, Hellena, and Angellica Bianca all face different challenges, but they all ultimately find ways to survive and thrive in a male-dominated world.

Behn's female characters are also notable for their sexuality. Florinda, Hellena, and Angellica Bianca are all comfortable with their sexuality and they use it to their advantage. This is a reflection of Behn's own views on sexuality. Behn believed that women should be free to express their sexuality without shame.

Behn's female characters in The Rover are complex and well-developed characters who challenge the social and sexual norms of their time. They are a testament to Behn's own feminist beliefs and her willingness to write about the challenges that women faced in a patriarchal society.

Here are some specific examples of how Behn's female characters reflect her own beliefs and experiences:

• Florinda's desire to escape her loveless marriage reflects Behn's own belief that women should be free to choose their own husbands.
• Hellena's cynicism and willingness to use her sexuality to her advantage reflects Behn's own belief that women must be cunning and resourceful in order to survive in a male-dominated world.
• Angellica Bianca's success in the male-dominated world of prostitution reflects Behn's own belief that women can be successful in any field that they choose.
• The sexuality of Florinda, Hellena, and Angellica Bianca reflects Behn's own belief that women should be free to express their sexuality without shame.

Overall, Behn's female characters in The Rover are a reflection of her own feminist beliefs and her willingness to write about the challenges that women faced in a patriarchal society. They are complex and well-developed characters who challenge the social and sexual norms of their time.

# FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT "APHRA BEHN'S THE ROVER " WATCH THIS VIDEO,...

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