Student Question

Who are the heroes or heroines in "The Rover", and why do you consider them as such?

Quick answer:

In "The Rover," Hellena is considered a heroine because she defies the strict societal constraints on women by pursuing her own desires and experiencing freedom, even if briefly. Her wit and determination to follow her heart showcase her heroic qualities. The play's political context emphasizes the significance of her actions, and even Don Pedro's approval of her marriage highlights her as a fine heroine in Aphra Behn's narrative.

Expert Answers

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I would say that yes, there are heroes and heroines in The Rover, but that the play is complex, and all heroism must be understood within its political context. I find Hellena heroic. The limits this culture placed on women were so severe that to be a woman who pursues her own desires, who tastes freedom, if only for a brief time, and who allows her wit to shine, to be a fine heroine. I suspect Behn feels the same way, since she had Don Pedro approve of Hellena's marriage.

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