Classic and Contemporary Poets

Aphra Behn (1640–1689) was a British playwright, poet, translator, and fiction writer from the Restoration era. As one of the first English women to earn her living by her writing, she broke cultural barriers and served as a literary role model for later generations of women authors. Behn’s work often centered on the themes of female sexuality and feminism, pushing the boundaries of what was expected and acceptable in literature at that time.

Literary Background and Early Influences

Behn's background is somewhat mysterious, as records of her early life are scant and not entirely reliable. She is believed to have been born Aphra Johnson in Canterbury, and there is speculation that she may have traveled to Suriname, which formed the backdrop for her most famous novel, "Oroonoko". Behn's experiences with the political chaos of 17th-century England, including possibly serving as a spy in Antwerp for Charles II, heavily influenced her writing.

Poetic Schools or Movements

While not associated with any specific poetic schools or movements, Behn was a vital figure in the Restoration literary scene, a period marked by a resurgence of theatrical, poetic, and prose works following the Puritanical restrictions of the Commonwealth period. Restoration literature was characterized by its wit, urbanity, and a newfound openness to exploring sexual politics and social satire. Behn’s work was perfectly aligned with the era’s taste for sexually suggestive and politically charged content.

Poetic Oeuvre: Phases and Themes

Aphra Behn's poetic output is notable for its diversity. Her poems ranged from amorous to pensive, often in the form of lyrical poetry. They reveal her interest in the interplay between the sexes and frequently reflect the concerns of her longer fiction and plays. For example, her long poem "The Disappointment" deals with issues of love, sexual desire, and frustration, presenting these themes with a frankness unusual for a female writer of her time.

Her dramatic works are also significant, particularly her comedies such as "The Rover" and "The Feigned Courtesans," which are celebrated for their lively characterizations and complex portrayals of gender relations.

Influence and Honors

Aphra Behn's literary contributions were initially not given the serious critical attention they deserved, often dismissed for their bawdy content. However, in the 20th century, feminist critics reassessed her work, highlighting her importance as a trailblazer for female writers and focusing on the subversive content of her writing as a commentary on gender and power.

Behn was a crucial figure in the development of the English novel, with "Oroonoko," in particular, earning recognition as an important early work in the genre due to its narrative complexity and exploration of issues such as race, slavery, and colonialism.

Conclusion

Aphra Behn's place in literary history is important not only for her contributions as a writer but also for her role as a pioneer for women in literature. Her works embody the dynamic and morally complex spirit of the Restoration, characterized by its challenge to social norms and its exploration of sexual and political autonomy. Behn’s legacy is that of a woman who navigated a path through the male-dominated literary world of her time, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be studied, performed, and celebrated for its literary merit and its historical significance in the evolution of women’s literature.

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