Aphra Behn

Definition

Aphra Behn was a pioneering 17th-century English playwright, poet, and novelist, widely regarded as one of the first professional female writers in the English language. Her work is significant for its exploration of themes like gender, sexuality, and power dynamics, which reflect the social and political changes of the Restoration period. Behn's bold storytelling and complex characters challenged traditional gender roles and paved the way for future women writers.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aphra Behn is often considered the first woman in England to earn a living as a writer, defying societal expectations of her time.
2. Her works were among the first to feature women with agency and independence, allowing them to express desires outside traditional confines.
3. Behn's writing style was marked by clever dialogue and satirical commentary, which provided insight into the politics and culture of her era.
4. She was a contemporary of notable male playwrights like John Dryden and George Etherege, yet she carved her own niche in a male-dominated field.
5. Behn's legacy continues to influence modern literature and feminist discourse, as her works are celebrated for their progressive themes and bold perspectives on women's roles.

Review Questions

• How did Aphra Behn's work reflect the societal changes during the Restoration period?
  • Aphra Behn's work mirrored the societal shifts of the Restoration period by challenging traditional gender roles and exploring themes of sexuality and power. Her plays often featured strong female characters who sought autonomy in their relationships and personal lives. This focus on female agency reflected the broader changes occurring in society as women began to assert their rights and presence in public life following the Restoration of Charles II.
• Discuss the significance of 'The Rover' in relation to Aphra Behn's impact on Restoration drama.
  • 'The Rover' is significant as it showcases Aphra Behn's innovative approach to Restoration drama by blending comedic elements with serious social commentary. The play presents complex characters navigating love, desire, and societal expectations. Through its exploration of sexual freedom and critique of patriarchal norms, 'The Rover' not only solidified Behn's status as a playwright but also highlighted the importance of female perspectives in literature during a time when women's voices were often marginalized.
• Evaluate how Aphra Behn's contributions to literature laid groundwork for future feminist movements.
  • Aphra Behn's contributions to literature were groundbreaking in that they introduced themes of female empowerment, autonomy, and sexuality at a time when such topics were largely taboo. By creating strong female protagonists who defied societal norms, Behn inspired subsequent generations of women writers to explore similar themes. Her legacy is evident in how modern feminist movements draw upon her work to emphasize women's rights and representation in literature, making her an important figure in both literary history and feminist discourse.

Related terms

Restoration Literature: A body of work produced during the Restoration period (1660-1688), characterized by a return to classicism, wit, and a focus on human experience.

The Rover:

A popular play by Aphra Behn, blending comedy and romance that critiques societal norms regarding love and sexual freedom.

Feminism: The advocacy of women's rights and equality, which Behn's works contributed to through her strong female characters and themes of autonomy.