Aphra Behn

Definition

Aphra Behn was a pioneering English playwright, poet, and novelist of the Restoration period, recognized as one of the first professional female writers in England. Her works reflect the social, political, and cultural transformations of her time, particularly the emergence of the comedy of manners and the early novel form, making her a crucial figure in British literature.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aphra Behn was born in 1640 and became one of the first women to earn a living as a writer, breaking significant barriers in a male-dominated literary world.
2. Her most notable works include 'The Rover,' a comedic play that explores themes of love and deception, and 'Oroonoko,' a novella that addresses issues of race and colonialism.
3. Behn's writing style is often marked by its boldness in addressing female sexuality and challenging gender norms of her time.
4. She worked as a spy for the English government during the Second Anglo-Dutch War, which influenced her understanding of human behavior and conflict reflected in her writings.
5. Despite her groundbreaking contributions to literature, Behn faced criticism during her lifetime and posthumously, but she has since been recognized as a significant figure in feminist literary history.

Review Questions

• How did Aphra Behn's works reflect the societal changes during the Restoration period?
  • Aphra Behn's works capture the essence of the Restoration period by exploring themes like sexuality, class dynamics, and gender roles within society. As one of the first professional female writers, she utilized satire and humor to comment on the shifting social norms following the monarchy's restoration in 1660. Her plays often depict strong female characters asserting their desires and agency, reflecting broader changes in attitudes toward women's roles in society.
• Analyze how 'The Rover' exemplifies the characteristics of Restoration comedy and its commentary on gender relations.
  • 'The Rover' is a prime example of Restoration comedy as it features witty dialogue, intricate plots, and satirical observations about social customs. Through its portrayal of both male and female characters navigating romantic entanglements, the play critiques traditional gender roles by showcasing women who are assertive and independent. The comedic elements combined with serious underlying messages about love and freedom create a multifaceted narrative that engages with contemporary issues around gender relations.
• Evaluate Aphra Behn's impact on the early development of the English novel through her work 'Oroonoko' and its thematic significance.
  • 'Oroonoko' is significant for its narrative style and complex characterization that contributed to the evolution of the English novel. In this work, Behn combines fiction with elements of autobiography to tell a powerful story about race, slavery, and morality. By addressing such poignant themes through the lens of a narrative that emphasizes personal experience and emotional depth, Behn paved the way for future novelists to explore diverse perspectives and social issues within their storytelling.

Related terms

Restoration Comedy: A genre of theatre that emerged after the Restoration of the monarchy in 1660, characterized by its witty dialogue, satirical social commentary, and often a focus on romantic relationships.

The Rover: A famous play by Aphra Behn, known for its bold themes of sexuality and gender roles, and considered a classic example of Restoration comedy.

Novel: A relatively new literary form during Behn's time, defined as a long narrative work that explores complex characters and plots, with Behn's 'Oroonoko' being one of the early examples.