3.2 Aphra Behn and the Female Voice in Early Novel Writing
3 min read•august 13, 2024
broke barriers as one of the first English women to make a living through writing. Her works challenged , featuring and exploring themes of and . This set her apart from male contemporaries.
Behn's novels, like and , subverted traditional notions of female virtue. Her characters asserted and agency, defying and paving the way for future women writers.
Aphra Behn's Literary Significance
Pioneering Professional Female Writer
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- Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was a prolific writer who worked in various genres (drama, poetry, prose fiction)
- Considered one of the first English women to earn a living through her writing
- Behn's success as a professional writer challenged the prevailing notion that women were intellectually inferior to men
- Helped pave the way for future generations of female authors
Distinctive Themes and Characters
- Behn's works often featured strong, complex
- Explored themes of gender, power, and sexuality
- Set her apart from many of her male contemporaries
Challenging Gender Norms in Behn's Novels
Oroonoko (1688)
- Presents a sympathetic portrayal of an enslaved African prince
- Critiques the institution of slavery and the treatment of non-European peoples
- Explores the agency and strength of the female
Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister (1684-1687)
- that depicts a passionate, illicit relationship between a nobleman and his sister-in-law
- Subverts traditional notions of female virtue and chastity
- Behn's female characters often display intelligence, wit, and sexual desire
- Challenges the passive and submissive roles typically assigned to women in 17th-century literature and society
Female Agency and Power in Behn's Works
Asserting Independence and Agency
- Behn's female characters (narrator in Oroonoko, Sylvia in Love-Letters) assert their independence and agency
- Often defy societal expectations and gender norms
- Depicted as active participants in their own lives and relationships, rather than mere objects of male desire or control
Exploring Female Sexuality and Desire
- Behn challenged the that governed male and female behavior in 17th-century society
- Portrayed women in positions of power (narrator in Oroonoko, female characters in her plays)
- Subverted traditional gender hierarchies and roles
Behn's Impact on the Novel and Women in Literature
Precursor to the Development of the Novel
- Behn's prose fiction, particularly Oroonoko, is considered an important precursor to the development of the novel as a distinct literary genre in the 18th century
- Use of realistic characters, vivid descriptions, and compelling narratives in her prose works helped to establish the novel as a popular and respected form of literature
Expanding Representation and Inspiring Future Writers
- Centered female voices and experiences in her writing
- Expanded the range of perspectives and themes represented in English literature
- Inspired future generations of female writers
- Behn's success as a professional writer and her bold exploration of gender and sexuality in her works helped to challenge the male-dominated literary establishment
- Created more opportunities for women writers in the centuries that followed
Key Terms to Review (23)
Aphra Behn: 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. She broke social norms by asserting her voice in a male-dominated literary world and is celebrated for her contributions to early novel writing and feminist literature.
Colonialism: Colonialism is the practice of acquiring and maintaining control over foreign territories, often involving the exploitation of resources and the imposition of foreign governance and culture. This process often leads to significant social, economic, and political changes in the colonized regions, as well as the marginalization of indigenous populations. In literature, colonialism often shapes narratives, themes, and character perspectives, reflecting power dynamics and cultural exchanges between colonizers and the colonized.
Double Standards: Double standards refer to the practice of applying different sets of principles or rules to similar situations based on arbitrary factors like gender, class, or ethnicity. In the context of early literature, particularly with regard to female authors, double standards highlight the disparities in how men and women were judged, treated, and represented, often undermining the female voice while elevating male perspectives.
Early novel: The early novel refers to the first wave of fictional prose writing that emerged in the late 17th and early 18th centuries, characterized by its focus on individual characters, personal experiences, and social commentary. This period marked a significant shift from earlier forms of literature, like epic poetry and drama, leading to a new storytelling medium that emphasized realism and the complexities of human emotion. The early novel played a crucial role in shaping the literary landscape and provided a platform for diverse voices, including women authors.
Epistolary Novel: An epistolary novel is a narrative work that is presented through a series of letters, diary entries, or other forms of correspondence. This format allows for multiple perspectives and creates an intimate connection between characters and readers, often highlighting emotional depth and personal conflict.
Female Agency: Female agency refers to the ability of women to act independently, make choices, and assert their rights within a given social and cultural context. It emphasizes women's power to influence their own lives, particularly in terms of personal and societal roles, and is crucial for understanding how women navigate and challenge patriarchal structures. In literature, female agency is often reflected in characters who defy traditional gender roles and express their desires and ambitions, impacting the narrative and broader societal views.
Female characters: Female characters are representations of women in literature, embodying various roles, traits, and experiences. They serve to reflect the complexities of women's lives and societal expectations, while also offering insights into the evolving notions of gender and identity during their respective periods. In early novel writing, particularly through the works of writers like Aphra Behn, these characters began to break away from traditional stereotypes and showcase a range of voices and perspectives.
Female voice: The female voice refers to the expression and articulation of women's perspectives, experiences, and narratives in literature. It is significant in shaping the discourse around gender, identity, and social norms, particularly in the context of early novel writing, where women began to assert their presence as authors and characters with complex inner lives.
Feminist criticism: Feminist criticism is a literary approach that seeks to understand and critique literature from a feminist perspective, analyzing how texts perpetuate or challenge the roles and representations of women. It examines themes of gender inequality, the portrayal of female characters, and the societal constructs surrounding femininity and masculinity. This critical lens is particularly significant in the context of early literature, where women's voices were often marginalized or silenced, making the exploration of their narratives crucial for understanding broader societal dynamics.
Gender Norms: Gender norms are societal expectations and rules regarding behaviors, roles, and responsibilities associated with being male or female. These norms dictate how individuals should act, dress, and interact based on their perceived gender, influencing various aspects of life including family dynamics, professional environments, and personal relationships. In the context of early novel writing, particularly with figures like Aphra Behn, gender norms shape the portrayal of female characters and their narratives, challenging traditional limitations placed on women's voices and experiences.
Independence: Independence refers to the state of being self-reliant and autonomous, free from external control or influence. In the context of literature, especially during the Restoration and early eighteenth century, it reflects a growing sense of individualism and the desire for personal freedom, particularly for women writers who sought to express their voices in a male-dominated literary landscape.
Literary Patronage: Literary patronage refers to the support given by patrons, often wealthy individuals or institutions, to writers and artists, allowing them to produce their works without the immediate pressure of commercial success. This relationship enabled authors to focus on their craft while providing patrons with cultural capital and prestige through association with art and literature. In the context of early novel writing, this system was vital for emerging voices, particularly women writers like Aphra Behn, who navigated societal constraints while seeking recognition and financial stability.
Love-Letters Between a Nobleman and His Sister: Love-letters between a nobleman and his sister refer to intimate correspondence that expresses affection, concern, and emotional connection between siblings, often highlighting the complexities of familial relationships in the context of nobility. These letters can reveal societal norms, gender dynamics, and personal feelings, providing insight into the evolving portrayal of familial love during the Restoration and early eighteenth century.
Narrator: The narrator is the voice or persona that tells a story, guiding the reader through the events and providing insight into characters and themes. This voice can vary in perspective, reliability, and depth of knowledge, which significantly influences how a story is perceived and understood. In early novel writing, especially with female authors like Aphra Behn, the narrator often serves as a crucial vehicle for expressing unique viewpoints and experiences that challenge traditional norms.
Oroonoko: Oroonoko is a novella written by Aphra Behn, published in 1688, which tells the story of an African prince who is enslaved and taken to the British colonies. This work is significant as it raises issues of race, colonialism, and human rights, reflecting the political and social changes of the Restoration period while also highlighting the emerging female voice in literature.
Power: Power refers to the ability to influence, control, or direct people, actions, or events. In the context of early novel writing, especially with Aphra Behn's contributions, power is intricately linked to gender dynamics, social hierarchies, and the act of storytelling itself. Behn’s works often reflect the struggle for female agency and autonomy in a male-dominated society, showcasing how narratives can challenge and reshape perceptions of power.
Print culture: Print culture refers to the system of production, distribution, and consumption of printed materials such as books, pamphlets, newspapers, and other forms of literature that became prominent in the early modern period. This cultural shift enabled ideas, stories, and voices, especially those of marginalized groups, to reach wider audiences and significantly impacted societal views and norms. The rise of print culture was particularly important for the development of the novel and for writers like Aphra Behn, who used print as a means to express their thoughts and gain visibility.
Restoration Drama: Restoration Drama refers to the theatrical works produced during the Restoration period in England, from 1660 to 1700, when the monarchy was restored under Charles II. This genre is characterized by a shift towards more comedic elements, sexual themes, and a focus on social manners and relationships, reflecting the changing attitudes of society at the time. The rise of female playwrights and strong female characters also emerged during this era, making significant contributions to the literary landscape.
Restoration England: Restoration England refers to the period in English history that began in 1660 with the restoration of Charles II to the throne after a decade of republican rule. This era was marked by significant cultural, political, and social changes, fostering a revival of arts and literature, including the rise of the novel and periodical essays, alongside a growing interest in satirical works.
Sexuality: Sexuality refers to the complex spectrum of sexual orientation, sexual behavior, and the social and cultural contexts surrounding them. It encompasses how individuals express themselves sexually, the societal norms that shape these expressions, and the exploration of identity through sexual relationships. In early literature, especially in works by women writers like Aphra Behn, sexuality plays a pivotal role in shaping characters, plot developments, and the overall narrative voice.
Societal expectations: Societal expectations refer to the norms and standards that a community holds regarding behavior, roles, and responsibilities of individuals within that society. These expectations often dictate how individuals should act based on their gender, class, or other social categories. In the context of early novel writing, particularly with figures like Aphra Behn, these expectations shaped both the narratives created and the voices that were heard, as they often reflected or challenged contemporary norms.
Strong female characters: Strong female characters are well-developed, multi-dimensional women in literature who possess their own agency, complexity, and resilience. They challenge traditional gender roles and often play significant roles in driving the narrative forward, reflecting themes of empowerment and independence.
The Glorious Revolution: The Glorious Revolution was a significant event in English history occurring in 1688, where King James II was overthrown and replaced by William of Orange and his wife Mary II. This bloodless coup marked the transition from absolute monarchy to constitutional monarchy, laying the groundwork for the modern British political system and influencing various aspects of literature and society during the Restoration and early eighteenth century.