Reviews

Aphra Behn was the first woman in recorded (Western) history to be financially independent through her writing. I found this play to be disturbing, but a fascinating look at the exact degree to which women were *allowed* to be feminist in 1600s Scotland. The Rovers was a huge smash hit, so much so that she penned a sequel that was equally well-recieved. We blanche at how women are portrayed in this play (thank god), but I hear too many people blaming Aphra Behn, when I'd argue that if she wrote a play by our standards today, she wouldn't have been successful at all.

dominike_d's review against another edition

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0.25

I’d actually give this a negative 5 stars if I could.

This was the most disgusting thing I’ve ever read.

I expected the racism, I don have to like, but knew it would be present. The absolute vulgar and disregard for consent. This was FULL of rape and instant forgiveness. I had to read this for university but truly wish to have this scrubbed from my brain. To know a woman wrote this feels even ickier. I don’t give a shit if this was supposed to have some sort of commentary. It made me feel physically uncomfortable and gross.

emskie_22's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.75

laurakath's review against another edition

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5.0

*read for graduate class
Definitely one of my favorites this semester. Honestly quite of the most impressive displays of characterization, objectification and language I've seen... and for the 17th century? and a woman? *chef's kiss*

rubyofraven's review against another edition

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4.0

This reminded me a lot of "Much Ado About Nothing." This was just a bit more adult with the inclusion of courtesans and the constant allusions and outright threats of rape. For this reason, I disliked Willmore the most as a character, followed by Blunt and Fred.
The commentary on marriage, religion, and the virtues and honors of women were especially interesting when reading this, especially knowing this was written by a female playwright during a time of plays being completely male dominated.

miarb's review against another edition

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3.0

Such an interesting play!! I was so entertained by the characters, and I didn’t feel the desire to skim at all while reading. I loved how Behn made a commentary on women’s autonomy and freedom in a world of excessively uncontrolled men. Whilst sexual violence played a large role in the play, I felt that it really worked to emphasize just how large the disparity was between men and women in a society devoid of order and political rule.

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