Breaking the Chains: Women’s Fight for Marriage in The Rover (Chapter 3)

What happens when love is a transaction and marriage is a contract signed without a woman's consent? In a world where obedience is expected and choices are made for them, some refuse to surrender. They challenge tradition, defy control, and dare to dream of a life beyond duty. But can they truly escape the grip of a society that sees them as possessions rather than people?

One of the most significant matters is about understanding marriage at that time and the reaction of the women in the play to marriage. They don’t want to be seen as objects, so they oppose forced marriage. In the 17th century, women were expected to be obedient and passive wives in marriage life. Women even didn’t choose their husbands by themselves, and their fathers or any male relatives decided on a man to marry them. Moreover, if a woman didn’t marry for a long time, society looked at her with pity or suspicion because of the possibility of any disorder. For example, Florinda’s family wants Florida to marry Don Vincentio, who is older than Florinda due to his wealth. The family sees marriage as an assurance tool for a good life, but Florinda does not want to marry the old man. She said, ‘Let him consider my youth, beauty, and fortune, which ought not to be thrown away on his age and jointure.’ (Behn, 1677, p. 6) It reflects that she does not want to sacrifice herself for financial assurance and she declares her thoughts with no fear. Another example is the persistence of Florinda’s brother. After she said that she didn’t want to marry an older man, Florinda’s brother said, ‘Tis true; he’s not so young and fine a Gentleman as that Belvile — but what jewels will that Cavalier present you with? those of his Eyes and Heart?’ (Behn, 1677, p. 7) We can understand from this speech that even though she doesn’t want to marry an older man, her brother forces her to marry Don Vinciento for status and wealth. To sum up, women were under the control of male dominancy about marriage, but they did not give up and announce their voices.

Though bound by tradition and controlled by male authority, the women in the play refuse to be mere pawns in the game of marriage. They resist, speak out, and challenge the idea that their futures must be dictated by wealth and status. Their defiance is not just a rejection of forced unions but a declaration of their right to choose love on their terms.

Reference: Behn, A. (1677). The Rover; or, The banished cavaliers. London, England.