Showing results for "aphra behn"

Aphra Behn, the poet, playwright, novelist and political satirist was the first truly professional woman writer in English. This selection, edited and introduced by Professor Janet Todd, demonstrates the full sophistication and vitality of Aphra Behn's genius. It contains the plays The Rover and The Widow, Ranter (the first English play to be set in the American colonies) together with Love Letters to a Gentleman, a choice of poems and two short novels - The Fair Jilt and Oroonoko - which ...

Oroonoko is an African prince, brave and eloquent, who falls in love with the beautiful Imoinda — only to be betrayed, captured, and sold into slavery in the English colony of Surinam. Written by Aphra Behn in 1688, one of the first professional women writers in English, Oroonoko is widely considered one of the earliest English novels and one of the first works of English fiction to confront the horrors of the slave trade with sympathy and moral outrage. A landmark of literary history — at...

'We are bought and sold like apes or monkeys, to be the sport of women, fools, and cowards, and the support of rogues . . .'Spy, traveller and pioneering female writer Aphra Benn's story of an African prince sold into slavery is considered one of the earliest English novels

This work is presented in the form of letters exchanged between two fictional characters, Philander, a nobleman, and his sister-in-law, Sylvia. The story portrays a complex and controversial romantic relationship between the two characters. Through the series of letters, the narrative reveals their passionate and often tumultuous affair, exploring themes of love, desire, betrayal, and the societal norms of the time.Aphra Behn was a trailblazing figure in English literature, known for her b...

The Best Works of Aphra BehnLove-Letters Between a Nobleman and His SisterOroonoko The Royal SlaveThe Works of Aphra Behn, Vol VThe Works of Aphra Behn, Vol. IThe Works of Aphra Behn, Vol. IIThe Works of Aphra Behn, Vol. III

"Hearts in Conflict – 3 Classic Tragic Romances" is an enthralling anthology that explores the timeless intricacies of love and loss through distinct yet harmonious voices. This collection captures the variegated emotional landscapes that tragic romance can offer, embracing a rich tapestry of narrative styles from the witty and bold prose of the Restoration to the nuanced, socially astute narratives of the 19th century. Each piece is a testament to the enduring resonance of romantic traged...

Dive into one of the earliest English novels! Aphra Behn's Oroonoko is a groundbreaking work that explores themes of love, honor, betrayal, and the brutal realities of slavery. Set against the backdrop of Surinam in South America, this novella combines adventure, tragedy, and sharp social commentary. Follow the story of Oroonoko, an African prince of noble character, who is betrayed into slavery and separated from his beloved Imoinda. The narrative unravels his tragic fate as he conf...

"The Works of Aphra Behn Vol. V" by Aphra Behn is a collection of writings by the influential English playwright, poet, and novelist Aphra Behn. Aphra Behn was one of the first English women to earn a living through writing, and her works are known for their wit, humor, and exploration of themes such as gender, power, and identity.Volume V of Behn's works likely includes a selection of her plays, poems, and prose writings. Behn was a prolific author, and her works spanned a variety of genr...

Volume I typically includes some of Behn’s earliest and most influential works, including plays such as The Forced Marriage (1671), The Amorous Prince (1671), and The Rover (1677). These works showcase Behn's keen understanding of human relationships, her use of wit, and her ability to explore social and political dynamics, often with a subversive touch. Her bold treatments of themes like sexual freedom and women's agency, as well as her ability to balance humor with social commentary, set...

In Volume II, readers can expect to find a mix of Behn's dramatic works, including both comedies and tragedies. Some of the plays featured might include The Roundheads (1682), The Lucky Chance (1686), and The City Heiress (1682). These plays continue Behn's tradition of crafting complex female characters and exploring themes of love, marriage, and social class. Her works often challenge traditional gender roles and societal expectations, offering sharp critiques of the political and cultur...

Volume IV of Behn's works is likely to contain a mix of her plays, poetry, and perhaps additional prose writings. Some of the notable plays that may be included in this volume are The Emperor of the Moon (1687), The Young King (1689), and The History of the Nun (1689), as well as other works that reflect her characteristic wit, exploration of gender and sexuality, and her critique of social and political structures. Many of Behn’s plays feature complex female characters, and her work is of...

'I value fame almost as much as if I had been born a hero'. (Preface to The Lucky Chance). Aphra Behn (1640-89) achieved both fame and notoriety in her own time, enjoying considerable success for her plays and for her short novel Oroonoko, the story of a noble slave who loves a princess. Acclaimed by Virginia Woolf as the first English woman to earn her living by the pen, Behn's achievements as a writer are now acknowledged less equivocally than i...