Aphra Behn

Definition

Aphra Behn was a pioneering English playwright, poet, and novelist from the 17th century, often regarded as one of the first professional female writers in England. Her work marked a significant shift in literature, as she broke the societal norms of her time, paving the way for future women novelists by exploring themes of gender, sexuality, and power dynamics.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Aphra Behn is best known for her novel 'Oroonoko', which is considered one of the earliest works of English fiction that addresses issues of race and colonialism.
2. Behn's career as a playwright flourished during the Restoration era when theatres reopened after being closed during the Puritan Commonwealth.
3. She often wrote under male pseudonyms due to the limitations placed on women writers during her time, but she eventually gained recognition for her boldness and talent.
4. Her work frequently challenged gender norms by presenting strong female characters who defied traditional expectations.
5. Behn's contributions laid the groundwork for later female authors such as Jane Austen and Mary Wollstonecraft, influencing their treatment of women's issues in literature.

Review Questions

• How did Aphra Behn's work contribute to the emergence of female authorship in literature?
  • Aphra Behn's work was groundbreaking as she became one of the first women to earn a living through writing. By successfully publishing plays and novels during a time when women's voices were often marginalized, she set a precedent for future female authors. Her exploration of complex themes such as gender and power dynamics challenged societal expectations and inspired other women to pursue their own literary careers.
• Analyze the impact of Restoration literature on Aphra Behn's writing style and themes.
  • Restoration literature provided a rich cultural backdrop for Aphra Behn's work, characterized by an openness to new ideas and a focus on human experiences. This environment allowed her to experiment with form and content, leading to themes that engaged with contemporary social issues, including gender roles and colonialism. Behn's use of satire and wit reflects the broader trends of Restoration literature, while her unique perspective as a woman writer added depth to these themes.
• Evaluate how Aphra Behn's legacy influenced later feminist literature and thought.
  • Aphra Behn's legacy is significant in the development of feminist literature as she challenged the constraints placed on women writers in her time. Her bold narratives centered around strong female characters have inspired generations of authors to confront societal norms. By establishing herself as a professional writer, Behn not only carved out space for women in literature but also set the stage for feminist thought that would evolve through later figures like Mary Wollstonecraft, who further advocated for women's rights and representation in society.

Related terms

Restoration Literature: The body of English literature produced during the Restoration period (1660-1700), characterized by a revival of theatre and a focus on human experience, often with an emphasis on comedy and satire.

Female Satire: A genre of writing that uses humor, irony, and exaggeration to criticize societal norms, particularly those surrounding women's roles and behaviors in society.

Novel: A relatively long work of fiction that tells a story about human experience through interconnected characters and events, emerging as a prominent literary form in the 18th century.