ROVER: REVISED EDITION (New Mermaids)

Book Details

• Publisher: Bloomsbury

• Author: Aphra Behn

• Language: English

• Binding: Paperback

• ISBN: 9789354351891

• Pages: 176

• Dimensions: 7.7 x 5.1 x 0.7 inches

About the Book

The Rover by Aphra Behn is a lively exploration of love, trickery, deception, and sexual passion set during the Carnival season in Naples. In this time of temporary freedom, social norms are upended, and women—from convent girls to courtesans—assert control over their own lives. Behn's play follows the misadventures of a group of love-struck Englishmen navigating the complexities of forced marriage, male power, fidelity, and the excesses of sexual desire.

In a male-dominated society, The Rover stands out for its clear-sighted portrayal of the female predicament, offering a bold and nuanced representation of women's agency and struggles in a patriarchal world. With its intertwining plot lines and richly drawn characters, the play explores the themes of love and freedom within a rigid social framework.

Widely taught in A-Level and undergraduate literature courses, particularly those focused on women’s writing, this new edition of The Rover includes a fresh introduction and takes into account recent critical discussions. It offers a deeper understanding of the context of Behn's work, the nature of theatre during her time, and her significant contribution to English drama.

This edition is essential for students and scholars seeking to understand the complex interplay of gender, power, and passion in the Restoration period.