Welcome to the World of Aphra Behn’s The Rover
Welcome! Today, we are diving into The Rover, one of the most exciting and scandalous plays of the Restoration period. Written by Aphra Behn—the first woman in England to earn her living as a professional writer—this play is a whirlwind of disguises, sword fights, and romance. It might seem like there are a lot of characters and subplots to keep track of, but don't worry! These notes will break everything down into simple, manageable pieces to help you ace your 9ET0 exam.
Don’t worry if the 1600s language feels a bit strange at first. Think of this play like a modern "heist" movie or a reality show set during a massive carnival—everyone is wearing a mask, and nobody is quite who they seem!
Section 1: The Context (AO3)
To understand why the characters act the way they do, we need to know what was happening in England when the play was written (1677).
The Restoration
After years of "Puritan" rule where theatres were actually banned, King Charles II returned to the throne in 1660. This era is called the Restoration. The mood changed from strict and religious to "The Merry Monarch" style: flashy, fun, and very interested in sex and status. The Rover reflects this shift perfectly.
The Cavaliers in Exile
The play is set in Naples (Italy) during Carnival. The male characters (Willmore, Belvile, etc.) are Cavaliers—royalist soldiers who were kicked out of England while the Puritans were in charge. They are "Rovers" because they are wandering without a home, often broke but still acting like high-class gentlemen.
Aphra Behn: A Trailblazer
Did you know? Aphra Behn wasn't just a writer; she was also a spy for King Charles II! As a woman writing in a man’s world, she uses this play to challenge how society treats women, especially regarding forced marriage and financial independence.
Quick Review Box: Context
• Restoration: Theatre is back, and it’s raunchier and wittier than ever.
• Carnival: A time of masks and "rule-breaking," allowing characters to cross social boundaries.
• Cavaliers: Royalist soldiers in exile—charming, dangerous, and often "rovers" (wanderers).
Section 2: The Characters (AO1)
There are many characters, but they usually fall into three main groups. Use the mnemonic W.H.A.T. to remember the core dynamics: Willmore, Hellena, Angellica, and the Tangled lovers.
1. The "Wild" Pair: Willmore and Hellena
• Willmore: The title character (The Rover). He is a "Rake"—a man who loves wine and women and hates commitment. He is charming but can be very aggressive and selfish.
• Hellena: A witty, brave young woman who is supposed to become a nun. She uses the Carnival disguise to find love on her own terms. She is Willmore’s female match in wit.
2. The "Romantic" Pair: Belvile and Florinda
• Belvile: A more serious, loyal English colonel. He truly loves Florinda.
• Florinda: Hellena’s sister. Her father wants her to marry an old rich man, and her brother (Don Pedro) wants her to marry his friend. She represents the struggle against forced marriage.
3. The Powerful Outsider: Angellica Bianca
• Angellica: A famous, wealthy courtesan (a high-class prostitute). She falls in love with Willmore, which is her downfall. She represents the danger of a woman losing her "market value" by giving away her heart.
Analogy: Think of Willmore as the "bad boy" of the group, Hellena as the rebel who refuses to follow her parents' rules, and Angellica as the celebrity who realizes that fame and money can't buy true loyalty.
Section 3: Key Themes (AO1 & AO2)
Marriage as a Business Transaction
In the 17th century, marriage was often about money and land, not love. Florinda is treated like a piece of property by her brother and father. Hellena is being sent to a convent because it’s cheaper than providing a "dowry" (a wedding gift of money).
• Key Term: Commodification. This means treating people (especially women) like items to be bought or sold.
Disguise and the "Carnival" (AO2: Form)
The Carnival setting is a brilliant dramatic device. Because everyone is wearing masks (vizards), the characters can flirt and speak freely across class lines. However, it also creates danger; Willmore often uses the "chaos" of the carnival as an excuse for his bad behavior.
Gender and Power
Behn shows that men have agency (the power to act), while women have to use wit and disguise to get what they want. Even Angellica, who has money, is ultimately powerless when Willmore breaks his promise to her.
Key Takeaway: The play is a Restoration Comedy, which means it uses wit and satire to look at social problems, but it has a "darker" edge than some other comedies because it shows the real threats of sexual violence and poverty.
Section 4: Dramatic Methods (AO2)
When you write your essay, don't just talk about the story. Talk about how Behn tells it!
1. Wit and Repartee: Fast, clever dialogue. When Hellena and Willmore argue, they use "verbal fencing." This shows they are intellectual equals.
2. The "Vizard" (Mask): The physical mask allows for dramatic irony—where the audience knows who is under the mask, but the other characters don't.
3. The Setting: Naples is "exotic" and "Catholic" to an English audience. It feels like a place where "anything can happen," which adds to the excitement and the danger.
4. Parallel Plots: Behn uses the different couples to show different types of love: Belvile/Florinda (Romantic), Willmore/Hellena (Witty/Cynical), Willmore/Angellica (Sexual/Financial).
Common Mistake to Avoid: Don't forget that this is a play. Mention the audience and how they would react to seeing women (like Hellena) dressed in men's clothes (this was called a "breeches role" and was very popular/scandalous at the time).
Section 5: Essay Writing Tips for Section B
Since this is Section B of your exam, you are assessed on AO1, AO2, and AO3. You do not need to compare it to another play in this section.
Step-by-Step for a Great Paragraph:
1. Point: State a clear idea about a theme (e.g., "Behn uses the character of Florinda to critique the 17th-century practice of forced marriage.")
2. Evidence: Use a short quote or describe a specific stage action.
3. Analysis (AO2): Explain the language or dramatic method. Use terms like metaphor, stichomythia (fast dialogue), or symbolism.
4. Context (AO3): Link it back to the Restoration period. Why would a 1677 audience find this interesting or shocking?
5. Conclusion: Summarize how this helps us understand the play's overall meaning.
Quick Review: The "Cheat Sheet" for Quotes/Moments
• Hellena: "I am as inconstant as you." (Shows she is just like the "Rover").
• Willmore: "Thou’rt a brave girl, and I adore thy spirit." (Shows his attraction to her wit).
• Angellica: "Inconstant man!" (Her realization of Willmore's betrayal).
• The Climax: The moment Don Pedro realizes he has been tricked and allows the marriages to happen.
Final Encouragement: You’ve got this! The Rover is a play about breaking rules and finding freedom. Once you understand the "masking" and the "money," the rest of the plot falls right into place. Happy studying!