Aphra Behn

Western Europe and the Americas. Scientific reasoning, rationalism, individualism, and perception were all defining traits of this period with individuals beginning to question long standing principles. During this time, texts like Oronooko, by Aphra Behn, became popular. This text, with its plot set in a European slave colony, took on issues of class and identity to defend the slave trade using logic and reasoning. This text has a fictionalized view of how European colonies, and in effect…

whites to instill fear in the other Africans. “He saw every one of those slaves, who… now had a whip to give him some lashes” (Behn 240) — not only was he whipped by the hands of the whites, but also by the hands of the slaves who were his followers because the Europeans commanded them to do so. This furthers proves the strong authority of the whites. In addition, Behn furthers displays the sacrifices slaves have made when Oroonoko decided to kill his wife. Oroonoko cared about his wife, and…

environmental or social factors. This can be seen in the two fictional stories of “Gulliver’s Travels” by Jonathan Swift and “Oroonoko” by Aphra Behn. In “Gulliver’s Travels”, the main character Gulliver is met with many allegations for committing illegal acts, while in “Oroonoko” the main character Oroonoko is sentenced to death because of the crimes he commits. In Behn and Swift’s fictional stories their main characters Gulliver and Oroonoko, are known as protagonists that condone in criminal…

Then later on in the same paragraph, Virginia begins naming other notable female writers throughout history. "For the road as cut many years ago - by Fanny Burney, by Aphra Behn, by Harriet Martineau, by Jane Austen, by George Elliot- many famous women... have been before me, making the path smooth , and regulating my steps" (Page 1). The reason why Virginia brings up those writers is to show that they have overcome their…

originally are not allowed to be together. These are the two manners in which the reader is introduced to Fantomina, from Fantomina: or, Love in a Maze (1724) by Eliza Haywood, and Imoinda, from Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave. A True History (1688) by Aphra Behn. Even though it may…

depending upon a man for their income are viewed with hostility and disdain if they choose to write. Woolf illustrates this using the example of Aphra Behn, a middle class woman who began to write for a living after her husband’s death. Society viewed her with disdain and used her as an example to discourage young girls who wanted to write. Nevertheless, Behn continued writing, thus setting an important precedent for middle class women in the future who wanted to pursue writing. This shows us…

eroticism and desire in today’s society brings to mind the images of women engaging in lewd acts. The poems “Friendship’s Mystery to My Dearest Lucasia” set by Mr. H Lawes ,“To the Fair Clarinda, Who made Love to Me, Imagined More than Woman” by Aphra Behn and “Decade” by Amy Lowell each have their own take on this subject. The theme of lesbian eroticism and desire expressed within the stanzas supports both its original context as well as society’s current views. Historically, acts of kissing…

Instead, she did make the readers aware of the harsh reality of enslavement as many Africans were forced to face the whites’ superiority and privileges over them. Behn informs her audience the short story of an African prince named Oroonoko who, along with his lover Imoinda, became another victim of slavery. Even though he had a better treatment due to his royal status and his knowledge, he lacked independence since…

Restoration and the 18th century began in 1660 and lasted until 1798. Though this period is short compared to most eras, it has had a huge impact on present day America. However, before the Restoration Period the theatres were closed in 1642. Playwrights such as John Gay began executing the use of satire as well as actor David Garrick changing the way actors performed. Restoration was a giant leap in the right direction for drama; it challenged the traditional views and poured the foundation…

Sexism and misogyny in Theater There are plenty of women who produce, direct, design sets and act in theatrical productions, however they did not always have these opportunities. “Women’s parts were played by men until the late 1700’s. When women did get the chance to perform in the United States, actresses were often seen as fallen or disgraced women because respectable women were not supposed to engage in public activity” (Matthews, 315). Examples of sexism in theatric productions include,…