Aphra Behn's "The Widow Ranter"
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".
Essay # 53002 |
2,986 words (
approx. 11.9 pages ) |
8 sources |
MLA | 2001
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$ 52.95
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Abstract
This paper 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 honorable 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 honor and identity - ideas which Behn, as a Tory and a Royalist, did not necessarily appreciate, rather favoring the old world tradition of respectability being inherited through noble birth."
Tags:berkeley, england, feminist, restoration, william
An analysis of the ethical dilemmas faced by the character of Imoinda in Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko".
Book Review # 99644 |
1,552 words (
approx. 6.2 pages ) |
3 sources |
MLA | 2007
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$ 30.95
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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)"
Tags:slavery, sexism
Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko"
A discussion of Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko", read from a feminist perspective.
Analytical Essay # 25262 |
1,153 words (
approx. 4.6 pages ) |
3 sources |
APA | 2000
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$ 23.95
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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."
Tags:criticism, enlightenment, historicism, literature, new, rennaissance, women, writers
Analysis of Kate Chopin's "The Story of an Hour," Henrik Ibsen's "A Doll's House," and Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko".
Comparison Essay # 93894 |
792 words (
approx. 3.2 pages ) |
0 sources |
2006
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$ 16.95
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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."
Tags:empowered, characters, limitations, oppression, emancipation, honor
This paper discusses the ideology of racism in 'Oroonoko' by Aphra Behn.
Analytical Essay # 136753 |
750 words (
approx. 3 pages ) |
0 sources |
APA |
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This paper argues that 'Oroonoko' is told through a racist narrative. The writer discusses that although the narrator is in awe of Oroonoko, she is the powerless voice of the anti-slavery that must use the construct of racism to define Oroonoko as s superior human being, but also defines him as a rare example of an inferior race.
Tags:race, slavery
Examines how 17th Cent. female author's biases shape her tale of a black hero.
Essay # 20995 |
1,350 words (
approx. 5.4 pages ) |
1 source |
1994
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$ 27.95
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From the Paper
" Aphra Behn, in Oroonoko, plays a central role as narrator and character. The purpose of her piece is to persuade the reader that the "Royal Slave," Oroonoko, a character who is supposed to be a savage by European or English standards, is actually far more noble and civilized than the Europeans. The Europeans, on the other hand, are the true savages, or at least that is Behn's argument.
In order to give her story added credence, Behn claims that it is a true history. She claims that she is reporting what she herself saw and experienced, as well as what the hero himself told her about his life. Perhaps there is some irony in the first words of her narrative "I do not pretend" (1866), with the implication that she is not writing fiction but non-fiction. We cannot know, of course, precisely how much of the story she.."
Compares protagonists & the authors' conception of them as defiant men fighting racism.
Analytical Essay # 13336 |
1,800 words (
approx. 7.2 pages ) |
2 sources |
1999
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$ 34.95
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From the Paper
"This study will compare Oroonoko in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko and Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's Native Son, focusing on the authors' views and their conception of the characters in relation to racism. The study will argue that both authors have created courageous and defiant black men determined to resist racism with any means necessary, although Behn has also created a black man designed to show that blacks are and/or can be more civilized, more humane than the white people who claim to be the representatives of civilization and society.
Behn plays the role of narrator as well as character in her novel. The purpose of her work is to try to convince the reader that Oroonoko, the so-called "Royal Slave" is not the frightening and savage creature which Europeans fear he is, but is instead more civilized than the Europeans themselves. Behn, however, goes.."
The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and ...
Essay # 137552 |
2,500 words (
approx. 10 pages ) |
2 sources |
APA |
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$ 45.95
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Abstract
The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that Milton presents a very Christian and patriarchal view of women while Aphra Behn provides a very feminine - and feminist - depiction of the so-called "fairer sex".
From the Paper
The Different Perceptions of Gender in Paradise Lost and Oroonoko The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that
Tags:gender, milton, behn
A review of Robert Behn's work on accountability in government in the United States.
Analytical Essay # 54565 |
3,098 words (
approx. 12.4 pages ) |
0 sources |
2004
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$ 54.95
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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."
Tags:administration, behn, bureaucracy, new, public, responsibility, review
"The Lucky Chance"
An analysis of the contribution of the play "The Lucky Chance" by Aphra Behn to the nature of the theatrical experience and performance.
Essay # 45563 |
1,012 words (
approx. 4 pages ) |
1 source |
APA | 2001
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$ 21.95
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Abstract
This paper uses "The Lucky Chance", a play by Aphra Behn, to extemporize on what theater 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 theater 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."
Tags:anti, aphra, behn, chorus, composers, dark, hero, lantern, purcell, restoration, staging, theatre