Context & Writers Techniques (Edexcel A-Level English Literature): Revision Notes

Context & Writer's Techniques

Context in 'The Rover'

Aphra Behn: Life and Background

Early Life

• Born in 1640 in Canterbury, England.

• Little is known about her early life, including her education.

• Possibly travelled to Suriname in her youth, influencing her later writings. Career

• One of the first professional female writers in English literature.

• Worked as a spy for Charles II, which left her in financial distress.

• Turned to writing to support herself, becoming a prolific playwright, poet, and novelist.

• Known for her strong female characters and themes of gender and power. Notable Works

• "Oroonoko," a novel that critiques slavery and colonialism.

• Several plays, including "The Rover," which became one of her most famous works.

  

Aphra Behn

Relevance to "The Rover":

• Behn's experiences in a male-dominated society influenced her portrayal of gender roles and power dynamics.
• Her work as a spy and her precarious financial situation are reflected in the themes of deception and survival.

History of "The Rover"

Writing and Performance

• Written and first performed in 1677 during the Restoration period.

• Premiered by the Duke's Company at the Dorset Garden Theatre. Reception

• Initially received with great success and popularity.

• Praised for its wit, lively characters, and engaging plot. Performance History

• Remained popular throughout the Restoration and into the 18th century.

• Frequently revived in modern times, with contemporary interpretations highlighting its feminist themes.

Literary Contexts

Genre of the Play

• Restoration Comedy: Classified as a Restoration comedy, known for its witty dialogue and satirical portrayal of society.

• Features elements of farce, intrigue, and romantic entanglements.

• Comedy of Manners: Satirises the manners and affectations of social classes, particularly the aristocracy. Historical and Political Context

• Restoration England: Set against the backdrop of the Restoration period, following the return of Charles II to the throne in 1660.

• A time of relative political stability, increased social mobility, and cultural flourishing. Cultural and Social Context

• Gender Roles and Power: Explores the limitations and expectations placed on women in a patriarchal society.

• The play's female characters often subvert traditional gender roles and assert their autonomy.

• Libertinism and Social Critique: Reflects the libertine culture of the Restoration court, with its emphasis on pleasure and hedonism.

• Critiques the double standards and moral hypocrisy of the aristocracy. Philosophical Context

• Individualism and Autonomy: Highlights the struggle for personal freedom and autonomy, particularly for women.

• Characters navigate social constraints through wit, disguise, and deception. Religious Context

• Moral Ambiguity: The play's depiction of moral ambiguity and the pursuit of pleasure reflects contemporary attitudes towards religion and morality.

• Challenges traditional notions of virtue and vice.

Useful Contextual Concepts

• Restoration Comedy: Understand the characteristics of Restoration comedy, including its satirical portrayal of society and emphasis on wit and intrigue.
• Restoration Period: Recognise the social and political context of Restoration England, with its cultural flourishing and shifting social norms.
• Gender Roles: Be aware of the play's exploration of gender roles and the limitations placed on women in a patriarchal society.
• Libertinism: Familiarise with the libertine culture of the Restoration court, which influences the play's themes of pleasure and hedonism.
• Individualism and Autonomy: Look for the characters' struggles for personal freedom and autonomy within the social constraints of the time.

Writer's Techniques in 'The Rover'

Realism

Authentic Dialogue

• Behn employs realistic dialogue to reflect the characters' socio-economic backgrounds and to enhance the authenticity of their interactions.

• The characters' use of period-appropriate language helps to establish a believable setting in 17th-century Naples. Detailed Setting

• The play is set in Naples during Carnival time, a setting that is richly described through the characters' interactions and activities.

• This setting not only provides a vibrant and festive backdrop but also allows for the exploration of themes such as disguise, freedom, and social boundaries.

Comedy and Farce

Humorous Situations

• Behn uses comedic elements and farcical situations to entertain the audience while addressing serious themes.

• The mistaken identities, disguises, and romantic entanglements are central to the play's comedic structure. Exaggerated Characters

• Characters such as Willmore, the charming and roguish rover, are portrayed with exaggerated traits that heighten the comedic effect.

• His flirtatious nature and witty banter make him both a source of humour and a commentary on libertinism.

Feminist Undertones

Strong Female Characters

• Behn presents strong and complex female characters who challenge societal norms.

• Characters like Hellena and Florinda actively pursue their desires and assert their independence, reflecting Behn's proto-feminist views. Critique of Patriarchy

• The play critiques the patriarchal society by highlighting the limitations and injustices faced by women.

• The female characters' efforts to navigate and subvert these constraints are central to the plot.

Use of Disguise and Mistaken Identity

Disguise as a Plot Device

• Disguise plays a crucial role in the plot, allowing characters to explore different aspects of their identities and challenge social norms.

• Hellena disguises herself as a gypsy to interact freely with Willmore and pursue her romantic interests. Mistaken Identity

• Mistaken identity leads to humourous and dramatic situations, driving the plot forwards.

• These moments of confusion often result in critical revelations and resolutions, as seen in the mistaken courtship scenes.

Symbolism

Carnival as a Symbol

• The Carnival setting symbolises freedom and the temporary suspension of social norms.

• It provides a space where characters can explore their desires and challenge societal expectations without the usual constraints. Costumes and Masks

• Costumes and masks are symbolic of the characters' attempts to conceal their true identities and intentions.

• This symbolism underscores the themes of deception, appearance versus reality, and the fluidity of identity.

Language and Wit

Witty Dialogue

• Behn's use of witty and sharp dialogue enhances the play's comedic and intellectual appeal. Characters frequently engage in verbal sparring, showcasing their intelligence and humour. Double Entendres and Wordplay

• The play is rich with double entendres and wordplay, which not only entertain but also add layers of meaning.

• These linguistic techniques allow Behn to address risqué and controversial topics subtly.

Social and Political Commentary

Critique of Libertinism

• Through characters like Willmore, Behn critiques the libertine lifestyle, highlighting its superficiality and the consequences of its excesses.

• Willmore's actions and their impact on the female characters provide a nuanced view of libertinism. Reflection on Colonialism

• The play subtly reflects on colonialism and its implications.

• References to foreign lands and the characters' interactions with these concepts offer a critique of the colonial attitudes of the time.