Aphra Behn, English author and playwright (b. 1640)

Aphra Behn, baptized on December 14, 1640, and passing away on April 16, 1689, was a truly remarkable English writer of the Restoration era. She distinguished herself as a prolific playwright, poet, prose writer, and translator, shattering societal norms to become one of the very first English women to earn her living solely through her pen. Her pioneering spirit established her as a foundational literary role model, paving the way for countless women authors in subsequent generations and forever changing the landscape of English literature.

From Obscurity to Espionage

Behn's early life remains somewhat veiled in mystery, but her sharp intellect and adventurous spirit soon brought her to the attention of King Charles II. In a truly extraordinary turn of events, she was employed as a spy for the Crown in Antwerp, then part of the Spanish Netherlands. This dangerous and intriguing role speaks volumes about her courage and resourcefulness during a period of intense political maneuvering and shifting allegiances between England and its European neighbors, particularly the Dutch Republic.

A Writer Emerges from Hardship

Upon her return to London, Behn faced considerable financial hardship, which likely led to a brief stay in debtors' prison – a grim reality for many in that era. This pivotal experience, however, spurred her towards a new path: writing for the vibrant London stage. The Restoration period, following the Puritan interregnum, saw a resurgence of theatre, offering a unique opportunity for talented individuals. Behn quickly became a central figure in the city’s literary and theatrical scene, associating with a coterie of influential poets and notorious libertines, including the audacious John Wilmot, Earl of Rochester, whose wit and unconventional lifestyle mirrored the daring spirit of the age. She often wrote under the elegant pastoral pseudonym "Astrea," a common practice for women authors seeking a degree of anonymity while invoking classical Muses.

Political Currents and Literary Evolution

Aphra Behn was a staunch Royalist, unwavering in her support for the Stuart monarchy, a stance that sometimes placed her in perilous positions. During the tumultuous Exclusion Crisis (1679-1681), a period of intense national debate over the succession to the throne, her politically charged epilogue and prologue for a play landed her in legal trouble. The controversy highlighted the dangers of overt political commentary in public performance during a time of heightened political tension. Following this incident, Behn wisely shifted her focus, dedicating much of her prodigious talent to prose genres, including novels and short stories, and translations, where she could explore complex themes with greater narrative freedom.

Legacy and Lasting Reverence

Aphra Behn remained loyal to the Stuart cause until the very end. She famously declined an invitation from Bishop Gilbert Burnet to compose a celebratory poem for the new monarch, William III, following the Glorious Revolution of 1688. She passed away shortly thereafter on April 16, 1689. Her profound impact on English literature, particularly for women, was immortalized by Virginia Woolf in her seminal work, A Room of One's Own, where Woolf famously declared: "All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn which is, most scandalously but rather appropriately, in Westminster Abbey, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds." While her grave is not located in the prestigious Poets' Corner, it rests in the East Cloister of Westminster Abbey, near the steps leading to the church – a testament to her enduring, if sometimes unconventional, place in literary history.

Notable Works

Among Behn's most enduring contributions are her play, The Rover (1677), a lively and witty Restoration comedy that captivated audiences with its sharp dialogue, intricate plots of love and disguise, and exploration of female agency. Equally significant is her prose work, Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave (1688), often considered one of the earliest English novels. This powerful and pioneering narrative tells the tragic story of an enslaved African prince, offering a poignant critique of slavery and colonialism – a truly progressive stance for its time, predating much of the abolitionist movement.

FAQs About Aphra Behn

Who was Aphra Behn?
Aphra Behn was a groundbreaking English playwright, poet, prose writer, and translator from the Restoration era, famously known as one of the first English women to earn a living solely through her writing.
What is the "Restoration era"?
The "Restoration era" refers to a period in English history, roughly from 1660 to 1688, marked by the restoration of the monarchy under King Charles II after the Puritan interregnum. This period saw a vibrant resurgence of theatre, arts, and literature.
Why is she considered a literary role model?
By successfully pursuing a professional writing career in a male-dominated society, Aphra Behn broke significant cultural barriers. Her achievements demonstrated that women could be serious, successful authors, inspiring generations of female writers who followed.
What was her connection to espionage?
Before becoming a full-time writer, Aphra Behn was employed by King Charles II as a spy in Antwerp, a fascinating detail that highlights her adventurous spirit and her involvement in the political intrigues of her time.
What are her most famous works?
Her most notable works include the play The Rover, a classic Restoration comedy known for its wit and complex characters, and the novel Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave, an early and significant anti-slavery narrative that is often considered one of the first English novels.
Where is Aphra Behn buried?
Aphra Behn is buried in the East Cloister of Westminster Abbey, near the steps to the church. While not in the more prominent Poets' Corner, her burial within the Abbey signifies her esteemed place in English literary history.
What did Virginia Woolf say about her?
In her influential work A Room of One's Own, Virginia Woolf famously celebrated Behn, stating that "All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn... for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds." This quote underscores Behn's enduring feminist legacy.