The Rover by Aphra Behn

 

Hello readers, 

This blog is part of Thinking activity task of The Rover by Aphra Behn. 

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

Angellica believes that discussing money and arrangements before marrying someone is similar to prostitution. Let me explain with an example from "Rover."

Marriage is usually seen as a loving commitment between two people. But sometimes, money talks louder than love in these decisions. There is the surprising similarities between the financial talks that happen before marriage and prostitution. Even though they might seem different, they have some intriguing common traits that raise questions about the nature of marriage.

One big similarity is how both involve money. In prostitution, money is exchanged directly for a physical service. In the case of marriage with financial negotiations, it's about making sure both sides get financial benefits from the marriage. Money plays a key role in both situations.

Love isn't always the main reason in both cases. In prostitution, it's a business deal, and feelings often aren't part of it. Similarly, in marriages with a lot of financial talk, love might not be the main driving force. This makes us wonder if love is truly the heart of these unions.

Moreover, both situations have a business-like quality. In prostitution, it's a clear exchange of money for a service. In marriage with financial negotiations, it's like a deal where each person wants something financially out of the marriage. It's a transaction that can blur the lines between love and financial gain.

People in both situations might feel pushed into their decisions or have limited choices. Some may turn to prostitution because they feel they have no other option due to financial problems. In marriages with lots of financial talks, people might agree to things they don't want because of family or society expectations.

Both scenarios often lead to questions about what's right or wrong in our society. People debate the morality of prostitution, and they also question whether it's right to put so much focus on money in marriages. These questions make us think deeply about our values.

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’

Importance of Aphra Behn is often neglected by historian, even W.J.Long didn't mentioned about contribution of Aphra Behn in his works. Aphra Behn is the first and foremost women writer who provides stage to the women writers. 

If we look at her biography,  she worked as spy of Charles II, but she didn't get proper amount for life survival. As soon as his husband's death she has to earn money and she chooses to write.  This spark within her and her boldness in writing make her different. Even in  initial years she tried her hand in poetry and then moves to writing comedy. 

It is quite noticable that Aphra Behn's creativity and imagination power creat abondense Literature. Before the beginning of wave of feminism she started it. After that Mery Wolstancraft writes The Vindication of Women's rights. Aphra Behn introduced so many bold female characters. Particularly, Hellena and Angelica, even Florinda in the Rover that challenged traditional role of women. 

For this reasons Virginia Woolf gives respect to Aphra Behn and even remarks that every women should be aware of her role and contribution. 

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. 

Hellena, a character in Aphra Behn's play "The Rover," closely resembles Aphra Behn herself. Here's why:

1. Independent and Strong-Willed:

 Hellena is a lot like Aphra Behn because she doesn't want to do what everyone expects her to do. She wants to make her own choices and not just go along with what others say. Aphra Behn was also a strong and independent woman who did things her own way, especially in a time when women had fewer opportunities.

2.Desire for Freedom:

 Hellena is all about adventure and freedom. She even pretends to be a gypsy to do what she wants. This is a lot like Aphra Behn, who liked to write about freedom and challenge the rules that society had for women. They both share a love for being free and doing things differently.

3. Playful and Clever:

Hellena is really clever and likes to have fun. Aphra Behn was known for being witty and playful in her writing. They both have a smart and playful side that shows in their actions and words.

4. Support for Women's Rights: 

Hellena's desire to choose her own love reflects Aphra Behn's beliefs in women's rights. Aphra Behn was one of the early supporters of women having more say in their lives. Hellena's character in the play represents this idea.

So, Hellena and Aphra Behn share a lot in common. They're both strong, independent, and clever women who stand up for what they believe in, especially when it comes to women's rights and freedom.

Thank you.