56 pages • 1 hour read
Aphra BehnThe Rover
Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1677A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
During the Carnival in 1650s Naples, English captain Willmore, the titular rover, seeks romantic escapades with his exiled cavalier friends. Willmore becomes entangled in the love struggles of Florinda, who loves Belvile, and her sister Hellena, who wishes to avoid a nunnery. Disguises, mistaken identities, and chaotic romantic entanglements ensue, culminating in multiple marriages. The Rover contains attempted sexual assaults and themes related to sexual violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Aphra Behn's The Rover has been praised for its witty dialogue, vibrant characters, and exploration of gender and social norms. Its engagement with issues of liberty and desire sparks thoughtful discourse, although some critics note that its complex subplots can dilute the main narrative. Overall, it's celebrated for its bold perspectives and pioneering female authorship.
Who Should Read The Rover?
Readers who enjoy The Rover by Aphra Behn are typically interested in Restoration literature, feminist perspectives, and witty, character-driven plots. Fans of Shakespeare's comedies or Fielding’s Tom Jones may find this play captivating, as it offers a similar blend of romance, intrigue, and social commentary.