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The Rover | Gestus and Signature in Aphra Behn's The Rover

In the following essay, Diamond examines the appropriation of females in The Rover and, for Behn, in English society during her time.

Where the dream is at its most exalted, the commodity is closest to hand.

—Theodor Adorno, In Search of Wagner

Near the end of Act II of The Rover, after the wealthy virgins and hungry gallants have been introduced, and the reader-spectator is made aware that comic symmetry is pressing toward chase and final reward, mention is made of a beautiful courtesan whom the gallants, including the affianced ones, are trying to impress. Angellica Bianca would seem to be a supplement to the intrigue plot—a supplement since one...

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