Title: The Rover
Author: Aphra Behn
First published January 1, 1681
128 pages, Paperback
ISBN: 9781854591784 (ISBN10: 1854591789)
Rating: 3.31
Overview
Aphra Behn’s “The Rover” or “The Banish’d Cavaliers” is a captivating play in two parts. Set in Naples during Carnival, it follows the romantic escapades of a group of Englishmen and women.
This play is a retelling of Thomas Killigrew’s “Thomaso”, or “The Wanderer” (1664), but with refined language and multiple plot lines. Although it may lack the vigor of Killigrew’s play, according to John Dryden, it is Behn’s most beloved and esteemed work, standing the test of time for over three centuries.
Lose yourself in the enchanting world of “The Rover” and experience the thrill of love and adventure.
About the Author
Aphra Behn was an accomplished playwright during the English Restoration period and a trailblazer as one of the first female professional writers in England. Her writing style contributed to the amatory fiction genre of British literature, and she is sometimes referred to as part of “The fair triumvirate of wit” alongside Delarivier Manley and Eliza Haywood.
Author Virginia Woolf regarded Behn’s entire career as significant, rather than any individual works she produced. Woolf once wrote, “All women together, should let flowers fall upon the grave of Aphra Behn…
for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.” Behn was also highly regarded by Vita Sackville-West, who called her “an inhabitant of Grub Street with the best of them, … a phenomenon never seen and …
furiously resented.” Felix Shelling referred to her as “a very gifted woman, compelled to write for bread in an age in which literature … catered habitually to the lowest and most depraved of human inclinations.
Her success depended upon her ability to write like a man.” Edmund Gosse even likened her to the George Sand of the Restoration, and she lived a bohemian lifestyle in seventeenth-century London, much like George Sand did in nineteenth-century Paris.
Editoral Review
The Rover by Aphra Behn is a compelling and provocative novel that explores themes of gender, love, and power. As one of the first female playwrights and novelists in English literature, Behn’s work is significant in the historical context of the seventeenth century.
Published in 1681, The Rover is a prime example of the Restoration comedy genre, which often featured a mix of wit, intrigue, and eroticism. Set in Naples during the carnival season, the plot follows the exploits of a group of Englishmen who have arrived in the city seeking adventure and romance.
The main character, Willmore, is a roguish soldier who becomes enamored with a beautiful courtesan named Angelica. Meanwhile, his fellow travelers engage in their own flirtations and misadventures, leading to a series of comedic and dramatic conflicts.
Behn masterfully creates a vivid and sensual portrayal of Naples, depicting both the vibrant atmosphere of the festivities and the darker aspects of intrigue and betrayal. The characters are richly drawn with their own distinct personalities and motivations, making the plot both entertaining and engaging.
One of the most notable aspects of The Rover is its exploration of the gender roles and power dynamics of the era. Behn challenges the patriarchal society of the time by presenting strong and independent female characters who are not defined by their relationships with men.
Moreover, the novel delves into themes of sexual desire, consent, and agency, which remain relevant to contemporary debates. On the whole, The Rover is a remarkable work of literature that deserves to be rediscovered by modern readers.
Behn’s writing is both elegant and accessible, conveying both the humor and the pathos of the story. While some of the language and cultural references may be unfamiliar to contemporary audiences, the universal themes and compelling characters make it a rewarding read.
That being said, the novel does have some minor flaws, such as occasional lapses in pacing and certain plot points that are resolved too easily. Additionally, some may find the portrayal of certain characters to be problematic or stereotypical.
Overall, however, The Rover is a sophisticated and entertaining novel that offers a unique insight into the social and cultural climate of seventeenth-century England. It is recommended for readers who enjoy historical fiction, comedy, and exploration of gender and sexuality.
With its blend of romance and adventure, it is sure to captivate and delight readers of all ages.
