Breaking the Chains: Women's Resistance in The Rover (Chapter 1)

In a time when obedience was expected and freedom was a luxury few women could afford, some refused to be silent. What happens when society dictates submission, yet voices of resistance rise against it? Can a woman truly defy the fate chosen for her, or is she doomed to be a prisoner of tradition?

One of the most significant points is about the submissiveness of women. Although they try to be independent women, they are totally under male suppression. In the 17th century, women were under the domination of men in terms of legal, economic, and social situations. They didn’t decide by themselves, even if the matter affected them. Also, they were expected to be obedient to their father, brother, or any male relatives. In that type of society, the women in The Rover are so opposite of the time. For example, Hellena’s father wants Hellena to be a nun, but Hellena’s intention is not like that. She said, ‘And dost thou think that ever I’ll be a nun? Or at least till I’m so old, I’m fit for nothing else.’ (Behn, 1677, p. 5) We can understand from her sarcastic speech that she was not willing to accept the dictation that came from male pressure. Furthermore, Florinda’s desire to choose her love is a substantial example of the resistance of women against a patriarchal society. Florinda said, ‘I hate Vincentio, and I would not have a man so dear to me as my brother follow the ill customs of our country and make a slave of his ter.' (Behn, 1677, p. 6) In that speech, she criticizes male dominance, and she boldly expresses that she doesn’t want to marry the man she doesn’t love. To sum up, despite intense male oppression, women try to gain their free choices. 

In a world where obedience was demanded, some women dared to resist. Hellena mocked the constraints imposed on her, and Florinda rejected love dictated by others. Though bound by tradition, they fought for their choices, proving that even in the face of oppression, the will to be free cannot be silenced.

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