Wednesday, 25 October 2023

The Rover by Aphra behn

 Welcome to my blog. This blog is a task assigned by megha mam. So, in this blog i am going answer the questions asked in task but before that let me introduce you with Aphra behn's "The Rover".


The Rover

"The Rover" is a Restoration comedy written by Aphra Behn in 1677. Set in Naples during Carnival, the play follows two English exiled cavaliers, Willmore and Belvile, as they seek love and fortune. The story involves romantic entanglements, disguises, and humorous misunderstandings. Notably, the play features strong-willed female characters, such as Hellena and Angelica, who assert their independence and desires, challenging traditional gender roles. 

"The Rover" is known for its clever dialogue, satire, and its portrayal of women breaking free from societal constraints. It's considered a significant work in the development of Restoration comedy and female-authored drama.

1. Angelica consideres  the financial negotiations that one makes before marrying a prospective bride the same as prostitution.

It's a yes for me because at that time women were just used for mans needs, in this play angelica is telling tage truth, the way she don't want to get married because they don't get loved after marriage. She is a prostitute so she knows that how married man also cheats on their wife.

It appears you are referring to a character or situation where financial negotiations before marriage are equated with prostitution. This perspective can vary widely among individuals and cultures, and it's important to consider the context and the specific beliefs and values of the characters or people involved.

In some contexts, the idea of financial negotiations before marriage is seen as a pragmatic or traditional approach to ensuring financial stability and security within a marriage. In other contexts, it can be viewed as transactional and potentially exploitative, which is where the analogy to prostitution might come into play.

Ultimately, whether one agrees with this perspective or not depends on their personal beliefs and values. It's important to consider the broader cultural, historical, and social context when discussing such matters, as views on marriage and financial negotiations can be deeply rooted in cultural norms and traditions.


"All the women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of apra behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds" Virginia woolf said so in a room " A room of one's own".
"
A Room of One's Own" is an essay by Virginia Woolf, published in 1929. In this essay, Woolf explores the relationship between gender and literature. She argues that women have been historically excluded from the literary world and that they need financial independence and personal space to nurture their creativity. Woolf emphasizes the importance of women having both economic and creative freedom to produce great works of literature. She also uncovers the forgotten stories of women writers throughout history. This essay is considered a seminal work of feminist literary criticism and continues to influence discussions on gender and literature.





 Indeed that is a significant quote for Aphra behn. She was the professional writers. She got famous for her playwright and another works.

Aphra behn, an early female playwright and author, in earning women the right to express themselves and share their voices through literature. Behn's contributions and those of other women writers paved the way for later generations of women to have the freedom and opportunity to write and speak their minds. Woolf's essay highlights the importance of recognizing the historical struggles and achievements of women in the literary world and the ongoing need for creative and economic independence to ensure women's voices are heard.


There were other female writers before Behn, but she is celebrated for her significant contributions to English literature and her role in opening doors for  generations of women writers. Behn's works and her determination to make a living as a writer were instrumental in challenging gender barriers in the literary world of her time.

I totally agree with virginia woolf's quote for Aphra behn. Agreeing with what Virginia Woolf said means acknowledging that people like Aphra Behn, who lived a long time ago, were very important. They helped women have the freedom to express their thoughts and make their own choices. It's important to remember their efforts because they continue to inspire women to speak up and make their own decisions today.


Angelica Bianca Represents Aphra behn in the playwright.



In the play "The Rover" by Aphra Behn, the character Angelica is often seen as a representation of Aphra Behn herself. This is because Angelica is a strong and independent woman who doesn't conform to the traditional roles expected of women in that time. She asserts her own desires and has a sense of control over her own life. Similarly, Aphra Behn, as one of the first professional female playwrights, challenged the norms of her time by pursuing a career in writing and breaking free from traditional gender roles. So, Angelica in the play can be seen as a reflection of Aphra Behn's own independence and determination.

Angelica is portrayed as an independent, confident, and assertive woman who refuses to conform to the societal norms and expectations placed on women of her time. She takes charge of her own life, defying the constraints placed on her by her brother and society. Like Aphra Behn, who was one of the first women to earn a living as a professional writer, Angelica is financially autonomous. She has control over her own money, which gives her a level of freedom not typically afforded to women in the 17th centurie. Angelica's love interest in the play is Willmore, one of the cavaliers. Their love is passionate and unconstrained by traditional norms, much like Behn's own life, which was marked by her independence and relationships outside the norm. Both Angelica and Aphra Behn challenge traditional gender roles. They assert themselves in a male-dominated world, demonstrating the strength and resilience of women in the face of societal limitations.


In "The Rover" by Aphra Behn, Angelica Bianca stands out as a strong and independent female character, and she is often compared to other female characters in the play. 



  • Hellena

Hellena is a spirited and rebellious young woman who seeks love and personal autonomy. While both Hellena and Angelica challenge societal norms and are determined to have a say in their love lives, Hellena represents the youthful and fiery spirit of women seeking independence, while Angelica is more mature and experienced.


  • Florinda

Florinda is Hellena's cousin, and she faces a more challenging situation in the play. She is in love with Belvile but is being forced into a loveless marriage by her brother. Unlike Angelica, Florinda is in a position of greater vulnerability and dependence.



While all of these female characters challenge the traditional roles and expectations placed on women, Angelica Bianca is distinct in her financial independence, and the maturity of her character. She serves as a representation of a more seasoned form of female autonomy and defiance. Behn uses these diverse characters to explore various aspects of love, desire, and gender roles in a patriarchal society.











Book Review: Not Here to Be Liked by Michelle Quach

“She never meant to start a movement. She just wanted what she earned.” Michelle Quach’s Not Here to Be Liked is a witty, sharp, and emotion...