Subversion of Patriarchal Codes in Aphra Behn's The Rover
Date
Authors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Publisher
Central Department of English
Abstract
This research work focuses on against capitalistic social codes and conventions in Aphra Behn's play The Rover. Behn subverts the masculinist as well as capitalistic discourse created by male dominated European society in mid-seventeenth century through her strong female characters. Behn defies capitalistic society by creating witty, independent, attractive, strong, active, and assertive female characters. She vehemently criticizes and blurs the stereotyped view of economic roles in The Rover. Behn with her brilliant stagecraft and carnival setting subverts the gender based ideologies of her contemporary seventeenth century society. Behn's own version of carnival which departs from traditional and religious carnival provides opportunity for female character to get liberation from patriarchal domination and exploitation. They could spontaneously transgress the civility of normal behavior and ideologies of existing social convention and express their social desire freely. Utilizing all the features of Restoration Comedy, Behn's heroines S subvert the male-created narratives of marriage, love, courtship and prostitution.