Aphra Behn’s The Rover

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

Answer : 

Aphra Behn’s The Rover: Angellica’s View on Marriage and Prostitution

In Aphra Behn’s play The Rover, one of the most compelling characters is Angellica Bianca, a Venetian courtesan who holds strong, complex views on love, marriage, and money. One of the striking things she says in the play is that the financial negotiations involved in marriage are no different from prostitution. This idea challenges conventional views of marriage and offers a sharp critique of how women were treated in the 17th century—both as potential wives and as sexual objects. But do we agree with Angellica's perspective? Is there really a parallel between marriage and prostitution? Let’s explore her viewpoint and see what it tells us about society, gender, and relationships.

Angellica’s View on Marriage and Prostitution

In The Rover, Angellica is a beautiful and wealthy courtesan who has been with many men, but she refuses to marry unless her financial worth is recognized. She has a strong sense of self-worth, and this is tied to her ability to make money as a courtesan. To her, love and marriage are transactions—just like the exchange of money for sex. She sees that both marriage and prostitution involve giving something of oneself in return for material benefits.

In Act 5, Scene 2 of The Rover, Angellica says, "I am not a fool to be made a sacrifice to love and money both." This statement reveals her disillusionment with the way women are expected to offer themselves in marriage. She points out the hypocrisy that marriage is often treated as an institution based on love and commitment, when in reality, financial considerations play a huge role. To Angellica, it seems that women are expected to sell themselves in both marriage and prostitution—whether they are paid directly in the case of a courtesan or indirectly in the case of a wife.

The Societal Context: Women and Financial Dependency

Angellica’s statement makes sense when we consider the time in which The Rover was written—the late 17th century. In this period, women had limited rights, and most of them were financially dependent on men. Marriage was not always about love or personal connection; it was often a financial arrangement, where the wife became the property of her husband. Women could inherit land or money, but typically only through marriage or by being born into wealthy families. For many women, marrying well was the only way to secure financial stability and social respectability.

In this context, marriage can be seen as a transaction, where the woman exchanges her youth, beauty, and often her freedom for financial security and social status. In a sense, she is “selling” herself, just as a courtesan sells her body for money. Both marriage and prostitution, in Angellica’s eyes, involve giving something of oneself for the benefit of another. This exchange is not necessarily a choice; rather, it is a product of a society where women’s worth was often determined by their ability to attract a powerful or wealthy man.

Is Angellica Right? Marriage as a Transaction

Now, the question is: do we agree with Angellica’s view that marriage is the same as prostitution? To a certain extent, Angellica’s perspective seems exaggerated but not entirely off the mark. The economic realities of the time meant that many women married for financial reasons, especially if they were not wealthy or did not have an independent career. This exchange of money, status, and security for personal sacrifice—be it emotional or physical—often made marriage feel transactional.

However, it is important to acknowledge that marriage is a much more complex institution than just a financial exchange. Not every marriage is based purely on materialistic concerns, and not all women feel they are sacrificing themselves for financial gain. In modern times, relationships are often more about mutual love and respect, and there is more freedom for women to choose partners based on emotional connections rather than solely on economic necessity.

Yet, Angellica’s view offers a powerful critique of the limited options women had during her time. In the world of The Rover, women had to navigate a society where their personal worth was often measured by their beauty, charm, and ability to attract a rich husband. Angellica’s cynical outlook could be seen as a defense mechanism, protecting herself from the heartbreak and disappointment she feels after realizing that the love and affection she seeks often come with strings attached.

Marriage and Prostitution in a Broader Sense

Angellica’s perspective challenges us to think about the broader issue of women’s autonomy and how society has often used women’s bodies for economic gain. Even today, marriage and relationships can sometimes feel like a negotiation, with both partners weighing the pros and cons—emotional, financial, and social—of committing to one another. This doesn’t necessarily make marriage the same as prostitution, but it does highlight how women, like Angellica, have historically been expected to play roles that benefit men in both personal and financial ways.

In some ways, Angellica’s statement calls attention to the ways in which society still values women based on their relationships to men. Whether in marriage or in other social roles, women have sometimes been seen as commodities to be exchanged, whether for money, status, or security. In this sense, Angellica’s view is not just about marriage and prostitution, but about the larger social and economic structures that shape women’s roles in society.

As a society, we must reflect on how far we've come and how far we still need to go to ensure that women are valued for their individuality, talents, and intellect—rather than merely their beauty or their role as a wife or sexual partner.

A Personal Reflection on Angellica’s Critique

From my perspective, Angellica’s comparison between marriage and prostitution holds some truth, particularly when we consider the historical context of her time. She critiques a world where women had few choices, where marriage was often a business deal rather than a union based on love or equality. However, to equate all marriage with prostitution seems too simplistic, especially when we acknowledge that love and companionship can form the foundation of many relationships.

Angellica’s words invite us to reflect on the power dynamics in relationships and how, even today, women can sometimes feel trapped in roles that society expects them to play. Her criticism also encourages us to think about how we can change those roles—making relationships more equal and genuine, without reducing them to financial transactions.

In the end, Angellica’s statement reflects the tension between desire and self-respect, a conflict that women have faced for centuries. For many women throughout history, marriage was less about love and more about survival, status, and security. While modern relationships have evolved, the underlying question of whether women are ever truly free to choose their own path remains a powerful theme. Perhaps, through her words, Angellica is not just calling out the hypocrisy of her time but urging us to rethink how we value relationships—asking us to consider if women, in any age, can ever fully be free from societal expectations that reduce them to mere transactions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Angellica’s view in The Rover that marriage and prostitution are similar is a bold, critical commentary on the limited options available to women in her society. While we may not fully agree with her comparison, it serves as an important reminder of the ways in which marriage, love, and gender dynamics were historically intertwined with financial transactions. Angellica’s words challenge us to think about the societal structures that shape relationships and the need for change, where women are no longer seen as commodities, but as individuals with autonomy and agency in their own lives.

Question : 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’.

Answer : 

Aphra Behn: The Pioneer of Women’s Voices

Virginia Woolf's poignant statement about Aphra Behn is a testament to her groundbreaking contributions to literature. Behn, often hailed as the first professional female writer in the English language, defied societal norms and paved the way for future generations of women writers. Her play, The Rover, is a prime example of her bold and innovative approach to storytelling.

A Bold and Controversial Figure

Behn lived in a time when women were largely confined to domestic roles. However, she refused to be silenced. Her plays, including The Rover, challenged the patriarchal norms of the 17th century. The play's themes of sexual freedom, female agency, and social critique were radical for its time.

Breaking Boundaries

The Rover features strong female characters who actively shape their own destinies. They engage in witty banter, pursue their desires, and challenge societal expectations. Behn’s fearless exploration of these themes was both groundbreaking and controversial.

While Behn’s work was not without its flaws, it is undeniable that she was a trailblazer. She dared to write about subjects that were taboo for women, and her bold and witty style captivated audiences. By celebrating female sexuality and agency, Behn empowered women to claim their voices and challenge the status quo.

A Lasting Legacy

Virginia Woolf's tribute to Aphra Behn is a reminder of her enduring legacy. Behn’s courage and creativity continue to inspire writers and readers alike. Her work serves as a testament to the power of the written word to challenge societal norms and promote social change.

In conclusion, I wholeheartedly agree with Virginia Woolf’s statement. Aphra Behn’s groundbreaking work paved the way for countless women writers who followed in her footsteps. Her legacy is a reminder that the power of the pen can be a powerful tool for social and cultural change.

Question : 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.

Answer : 

from th Rover , 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. write an anwer in simple words with deep .

In Aphra Behn’s play The Rover, the character who best represents the playwright herself is Helena. Here’s why Helena is a reflection of Aphra Behn’s own characteristics and beliefs:

Helena’s Independence and Defiance

Characteristics: Helena is independent, witty, and determined. She defies societal norms and takes control of her own fate, much like how Aphra Behn navigated the male-dominated literary world.

Beliefs: Behn believed in women's autonomy and intellect. Through Helena, she showcases a woman who is not afraid to assert her own desires and challenge traditional roles.

Disguise and Exploration of Gender Roles

Characteristics: Helena disguises herself as a man to explore freedoms usually denied to women. This act of cross-dressing allows her to move freely and express herself boldly.

Beliefs: Behn was ahead of her time in questioning and exploring gender roles. She used her writing to criticize the limitations imposed on women, similar to how Helena uses her disguise to step outside societal boundaries.

Wit and Intelligence

Characteristics: Helena’s sharp wit and intelligence are central to her character. She engages in clever banter and outsmarts those around her.

Beliefs: Behn herself was known for her intellectual prowess and clever use of language. Through Helena, she demonstrates that women are equally capable of wit and intelligence, countering the stereotypes of her time.

Resilience and Determination

Characteristics: Helena is resilient and determined in pursuing her goals, whether it’s love or freedom. She doesn’t let obstacles deter her.

Beliefs: Behn’s own life was marked by resilience. She faced many challenges as a female writer but persisted in her craft, paving the way for future generations of women writers. Helena embodies this same spirit of perseverance.

Pursuit of Love on Her Own Terms

Characteristics: Unlike the passive women of her time, Helena pursues love on her own terms. She chooses her partner and ensures that her voice is heard in the relationship.

Beliefs: Behn believed in the agency and autonomy of women, especially in matters of love and relationships. By giving Helena control over her romantic choices, Behn advocates for women’s right to choose their own paths.

Conclusion

Helena’s character in The Rover serves as a reflection of Aphra Behn’s own beliefs and characteristics. Through Helena, Behn expresses her views on independence, gender roles, intelligence, resilience, and love. Helena’s boldness and determination mirror Behn’s own journey as a pioneering female writer. By creating a character like Helena, Behn not only entertained her audience but also challenged societal norms and advocated for women’s rights and autonomy.