An analysis of the theme of the construction of honour, masculinity and the hero in Aphra Behn's "The Widow Ranter" or "The History of Bacon in Virginia".
Abstract This papar examines the play "The Widow Ranter", which is set in the British colony of Virginia where the action takes place during the rebellion of 1676 rebellion of Nathaniel Bacon against the then governor, William Berkeley. It looks at how Behn chooses to modify the actions and identities of the lead players in the rebellion that makes for an interesting analysis of the play and the fictional counterparts of Bacon and the governors of the colony. It also explores how Behn's concern with masculinity is key to the construction of both the heroes and the authority figures and also to the depiction of the New World and the establishment of the beginnings of a capitalist society.
From the Paper "It is useful to note the four groups of male protagonists within the play: the young Englishmen determined to find their fortune in Virginia, Hazard and Friendly; the honourable rebel Bacon; the Council and the colonial authority; and finally, the Indian king and the Americans Indians. These groups are particular in their motives and characteristics, each representing a different part of the social structure of Behn's Virginia, and illustrating her views of the distinction between England and the New World and its developing ideas of honour and identity - ideas which Behn, as a Tory and a Royalist, did not necessarily appreciate, rather favouring the old world tradition of respectability being inherited through noble birth."
Tags: berkeley, england, feminist, restoration, william
Abstract This paper is a review of the 2001 work by Robert Behn with the same title. The paper presents a summary of the arguments made in the book and presents an analysis of the work as a whole. Behn presents a theory of a "responsibility compact" that is in-line with the new public administration. His theory is well thought out, but probably impossible in the United States.
From the Paper "Robert Behn's work, Rethinking Democratic Accountability, attempts to explain what we mean by accountability and how we can improve the way we use accountability in the public sector. His book, published in 2001, presents the challenges to accountability and offers solutions to the current problem of accountability being focused on the processes and not the performances of government."
Abstract Examining the autobiographical content of the novel and discussion with relation to current feminist criticism and new historicism. The writer explains how the novel is an examination and perhaps a critical analysis of Behn's role as a woman and a writer as separate entities and also her status as a woman writer.
From the Paper "Aphra Behn’s novel Oroonoko can be read from a feminist perspective very effectively as it is possible to draw parallels between the slave experiences of Oroonoko and the experience of being a woman at that time. The novel has a somewhat autobiographical content. Behn moved from her birthplace near Canterbury in England to Surinam in the West Indies during her childhood, her father died during the crossing, as did the narrators, so we assume that the narrator is Behn herself. There she met an enslaved prince called Oroonoko who was the basis for her novel Oroonoko or the Royal slave."
Abstract This paper uses "The Lucky Chance", a play by Aphra Behn, to extemporise on what theatre in the restoration period might have been like for the audiences that attended it. Drawing examples from the play it examines scenography and the lines themselves in order to draw conclusions about the nature of theatre at this time.
From the Paper "The play "The Lucky Chance" by Aphra Behn has many such clues, and the first to be looked at here is the use of song in the play. Songs intersperse the text at several points, including during Sir Feeble and Leticia's reception and during the scene between Gayman and his landlady. These songs affect the tempo of the scene and indeed the play as a whole, because as a rule they do little to further the plot. They act as more of a summation of the events preceding it, in much the same way as the chorus in Ancient Greek tragedy functions."
Abstract This paper examines Aphra Behn's novel "Oroonoko" and looks at how the title character is first redeemed and then destroyed by love. It also discusses how both redemption and destruction take place against the moral complexities of the slave trade and the expansion of the British Empire.
From the Paper "Aphra Behn's novel Oroonoko asks us to consider the power of love, both its ability to make complete a life that was once fragmented and also its ability to bring about annihilation for her novel tells us in turn how her title character is first redeemed and ..."
Abstract This paper describes distinctions between narratives through a comparison of Aphra Behn's poem "The Disappointment", and John Wilmot's " The Imperfect Enjoyment." The author argues that influence and utility of different forms of narrative can very well distinguish a work of literature's tone and characterize the work's entire thematic overlay. This can be achieved through reflecting upon the variety of precepts formed by these two works.
From the Paper "Woman author and poet Aphra Behn's 1680 poem "The Disappointment" is a historically criticized seventeenth century poem characterized by its use of clever and purposeful narration in its depiction of an ambiguously scandalous plot ,offered by Behn in a quasi-acceptable literary form for its time. Utilizing the technique of third person narration within "The Disappointment", Behn enables her reader's the opportunity to become fully immersed within the poem's characterization and interiority, creating a metaphorically intimate poetic mA(c)nage trios between the reader's, Cloris, and Lysander. In order to fully appreciate Aphra Behn's narrative technique, one must take into consideration the alternatives to third person narration employed by the other writer's of the seventeenth century. Upon Juxtaposing Behn's "The Disappointment", with John Wilmot's seventeenth century poem "The Imperfect Enjoyment", a critical mind is afforded the opportunity to draw upon the general advantages and disadvantages of first and third person narratives. With a critical analysis of both works, one will be able to withdraw the narrative characteristics of the contrasting styles used by Behn and Wilmot; and furthermore appreciate the distinct differences that make each poet a master of their craft."
Abstract This paper reviews the famous stories, "The Story of an Hour" by Kate Chopin, "A Doll's House" by Henrik Ibsen and "Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn. The paper provides a discussion and analysis of the different elements utilized in the these stories. According to the paper, it is through the fusion of the self (self-expression) and the society/community (contemplation of a social issue) that a literary work gains importance and significance to society in general.
From the Paper "A similar transition from oppression to empowerment occurred in Nora in Ibsen's "A Doll's House." When before Nora was characterized as somewhat whimsical and shallow as a woman and wife to Helmer, she has undergone change when she realized that she is treated like a "little skylark, a doll" whose main source of happiness would only be money and material things. Following a series of indebtedness and desperate pursuit for money to repay Krogstad, Nora experienced self-realization as she experienced the different kinds of treatment given her by her husband, and other men she had encountered. It was then that she realized that like a "doll," she is just a mere 'possession' of these men--to Helmer because of financial dependence, and to Krogstad because he knows a secret that could prove fatal to her marriage once exposed. These conflicts within her and between these men in her life led her to reflect on her self-worth. Eventually, she left Helmer to fully become an individual and woman, independent of Helmer and her family."
Abstract This paper looks at how the novella "Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn is a controversial account of slavery, sexism and murder in 17th century colonial Surinam. The paper relates that, in the story, Oroonoko, the Prince of Coramantien, falls in love with the beautiful Imoinda. The paper then discusses how, as a central figure plagued with many ethical decisions, Imoinda must determine her destiny throughout the text. One of the first ethical decisions she is forced to handle is whether or not to engage in her affection for Oroonoko or to become the King's wife. The paper concludes that although faced with a life of hardship and taxing emotional dilemmas, Imoinda conquers her fate with pride and confidence.
From the Paper "Many historical occurrences shaped the views and politics surrounding Behn's Oroonoko. In the 1650's the colony of Surinam began implementing slave trade to aid in sugar cane production. Slaves from England, Africa and the Caribbean were supplied to the area for labor. Raids for slaves, like the one evident in Oroonoko, were a part of this culture. In this area, like most of the world, a defined hierarchy was accepted. The English explorers and sugar plantation owners were among the elitist group. Women were often the victims of a social stratification, treated like slaves or lower class citizens. There are arguments that Aphra Behn never experienced Surinam for herself, but reflected on the experiences of other explorers. Many believe her vivid account with elaborate details support her claims of traveling to this land. (Todd 2000)"
Abstract This paper discusses how Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko" must be read with a very keen sense for detail and contends that it is extremely difficult to pinpoint Behn's stance on the issue of slavery, or whether or not she seeks to address the issue at all. The paper examines how, although this novel is often seen as an opposition to slavery, many of the lines throughout the novel depict otherwise and how she constantly considers her race superior to those of a different color, even criticizing them.
From the Paper "The narrator herself, assumed to be Aphra Behn, is amongst those Europeans who deem themselves far superior to those of darker skin. While praising the natives of Surinam for their abilities to hunt and create, she clearly defines the friendship between the natives and the Europeans as being one based solely on usefulness. She even states that the only reason they (the Americans) are not slaves themselves is because their population "far surpasses" the European's in the West Indies (78). This obviously is stated in the novel in order to establish the superiority Europeans have over all other races. While not marking her as a racist or one that is pro-slavery, this statement doesn't suggest the opposite either, further proving the complexity of this novel. "
This paper describes how patriarchal protection or authority both liberate and debilitate the female characters in Aphra Behn's "Sir Patient Fancy" and "The Feigned Courtesans".
Abstract This paper looks at these two plays by Aphra Behn and shows how she was a radical writer in her times. Focusing on the sexual liberty of women, she created characters that were not suppressed by the male patriarchy and she wrote of the erotic nature that the women possessed. The plays are analyzed for these themes.
From the Paper "Depicting sexually liberalized women the two plays in question, underscore and criticize the patriarchal system of society where a double standard of judgment is applied to the behavioral codes of men and women. Under the guise of protection the women are seduced but then by an ironic set of standards the very same women are criticized on allowing themselves to be seduced."
Tags: female, erotic, play, literature, patriarch, society, liberal
Abstract This paper discusses Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko", a powerful story of a West African prince (Oroonoko) who is abducted into slavery in Surinam and how Oroonoko's story is told by a young Englishwoman visiting a colony in Surinam in South America. The narrator is the daughter of the lieutenant governor of Surinam, who died on the way to visit the colony. The paper analyzes the character of the narrator who seems to be a dispassionate observer who ultimately avoids responsibility for the young prince's terrible fate. It is this status as outsider that allows the young narrator to report dispassionately on the horror of slavery and Oroonoko's ultimate sad fate.
From the Paper "The narrator's ambivalence and neutrality is further seen in her relationship with the young prince Oroonoko. She notes that her relationship with the young prince is close, and that Oroonoko considers her a friend "in whom he had entire confidence." She notes that her advice has great influence over and calms the young man. Nonetheless, the young narrator withdraws with the rest of the women when Oroonoko is free in the jungle. Further, she is quick to distance herself when the colonists harm Oroonoko. Says the narrator, "I was persuaded to leave the place for some time" (where Oroonoko was held), whereupon the colonists torture and kill the young prince."
Abstract This paper discusses the narrative principles of Aphra Behn's work "Oroonoko" and shows how they contrast and compare to each other. The writer explains that the main contrast is the fictional side of the character revealed, as opposed to the real personality of the author. The element of otherness is discussed as well in the foreign landscape in which the story takes place.
Abstract This paper will seek to understand the notions of marriage, love, and conquest in the play "The Rover" by Aphra Behn. By revealing these sources within the text, we can assume to understand how this playwright has placed them within this comedy.
Abstract This paper looks at how the introduction of women into the theatre was an epic move ? beforehand acting had not been considered a suitable pursuit for a woman. It considers the effect upon theatre of introducing the actress to the stage and in particular the effect had upon the portrayal of women in plays. It uses three plays as examples, one from before the advent of actresses Ben Jonson's "Volpone"?, one from the same year as the first actress was allowed onstage, Aphra Behn's "The Rover" and one from several years afterwards, "The Two Foscari" by Lord George Byron.
From the Paper "And indeed it became so obvious that with the Restoration came change, and around 1660 women were allowed on the stage for the first time. Obviously the classics such as Shakespeare were still being produced, but the roles for women in the plays written before this era are woeful. New plays were constantly demanded in the theatre, and with the introduction of actresses, a change arose in the plays. Influential playwright Aphra Behn typifies this. Her play "The Rover", written in 1677, is a great change from "Volpone" ? it has many strong, convincing female characters. The main two of note are Florinda and Hellena. Both are in many ways in control of their lives, despite the best meant intentions of other men in their lives."
Abstract This paper examines William Shakespeare's "The Tempest" and Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko" . In particular, it looks at the concepts of slavery and freedom as perceived in each story. It discusses how Caliban believes that Prospero, as a human man, has no right to control and dominate the island any more than the protagonists of "Oroonoko" have to be dominated as slaves. It looks at how Oroonoko shares with Caliban a royal status conferred by birth and how, unlike his fictional counterpart, he uses his justification of birth to win respect and dignity in the eyes of his people and even his enemies, despite the fact that his rebellion ultimately results in execution.
From the Paper "Caliban is so intoxicated, not only upon alcohol, but also because of the slave mentality?instituted by Prospero, a modern observer might say, or "natural" to a heathen savage, an Elizabethan audience might infer?that he calls the two men master. All while he cries out in celebration for freedom, his cries are undercut by his needless, slave-like abasement before Stephano and Trinculo, who take advantage of him at every turn. Although Caliban makes a convincing argument for his rebellion, given his lineage and previous treatment, and current imprisonment, his easily abased and credulous character and immoral sexual conduct, to say nothing of his intoxication, undercuts the rational nature of his claims."
