Aphra Behn's The Rover
I have to say that I really enjoyed this play. Although to the unsuspecting eye it seems to be just another flaky play with love triangles, duels and mistaken identities, there are alot of underlying controversial issues involved. Behn is known for her sexual themes, but I found the strong sexual aggression towards women surprising. The fact that rape came up twice in the play and the men never found it as something immoral and wrong was just upsetting. Blunt once apologizes but only because he didn't know Florinda was a woman of quality. 
Is it OK to rape woman of a lesser class? Apparently so, according to the men of the play. It is funny how Behn can use such social issues as arranged marriages, forced religion and prostitution as the background to a light comedic play. She used this play to get her opinions heard and they were heard, as this was a very successful play. She was a woman who was very focused on woman's rights which is evident thoughout her works. she was a very accomplished and successful woman writer for her time and continues to surprise her readers today. ****4 starsTo see my weblog on Aphra Behn and The Rover go to: www.aphrabehnplaywright.blogspot.com
posted by Deanna @ 6:48 AM
4 Comments:
Not only could she write, it's so darn impressive that she got produced in her day! Good thing, too. How many women playwrights get a spot in theatre history courses?
*I'm an aspiring playwright, so I am very grateful to Ms. Behn.
Thanks for writing about her.
You seem to be a fan of Behn. She is an interesting woman and I too enjoy her work.
Behn's play was a success but it did not elevate her standing in society as it was not proper for a lady to "expose" herself in such a way. I am so pleased that Behn thumbed her nose at such critics and continued to write.
buy contact lenses online
buy contact lenses here
Post a Comment
<< Home