Aphra Behn: the first Professional Female Writer

In the male dominated world of 17^th century literature, one name shines through as a groundbreaker and pioneer — Aphra Behn. She defied conventional societal norms, and became the first known female writer to earn a living through her literary works. Behn wasn’t the first female to publish hew writing, but she was the first who did without hiding behind a man’s name. Despite her unconventional background, Aphra Behn became popular and successful in the literary landscape of her time, as a poet, playwright and novelist. 

«Each moment of a happy lover’s hour is worth an age of dull and common life.» Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn was a British writer of mysterious origin who became one the first professional female playwright, poet, and author in english literature. She was born around 1640, but little is known about her background before her 1664 marriage to Johan Behn, who either died or separated from her soon after. We do know that she led a life full of adventure and intrigue, as she rose to a prominent enough position in the court to be recruited as a spy for Charles II during the English Civil War. Regardless of this, the king never paid for her services, nor her expenses abroad. Behn decided to change paths. Against the gendered stereotypes of society, she became a writer. 

«Money speaks sense in a language all nations understand.» Aphra Behn

Despite facing countless societal barriers, mainly because of her gender and status, Behn’s extraordinary talent and determination propelled her into the literary sphere. As her talent became recognized in the royal court, she became a popular poet and playwright for a few theater companies and produced over nineteen plays in her lifetime. Her experiences as a spy in the courts later provided inspiration for her plays and novels, as she infused her works with excitement and intrigue.

Behn’s works challenged the strict societal norms of her time and explored themes of gender, power, and sexualitywith a boldness previously unseen in literature. Her plays, such as The Rover and The Widow Ranter, showcased her ability to craft complex characters and tackle social issues. Behn continued to write poetry that included social commentary on her political beliefs and touched on women’s sexuality –both audacious topics for a writer, much less afemale writer, to cover in her era. 

With quotes like: «Men are generally more careful of the breed of their horses and dogs than of their children,» taken from her play, The Lucky Chance, show her display of a biting commentary on societal priorities and gender dynamics. It highlights her criticism of the neglect and disregard shown towards children, particularly in comparison to the attention and care given to animals.

Her most famous work, Oroonoko, which was published in 1688, broke cultural barriers by telling the love story of anenslaved African prince and a noblewoman, the general’s daughter, providing a powerful critique of the prevalent racism and exploitation of the time. She tackles themes of race and slavery, shedding light on the injustices of the colonial era. The exploration of love, seduction, and power dynamics in Behn’s novels challenged conventional notions of morality and femininity, establishing her as a fearless and unapologetic writer.

Thanks to her literary achievements, she was able to create a seat for women at the writer’s table. Behn is famously remembered in Virginia Woolf’s A Room of One’s Own for doing so, where she wrote: «All women together, ought to let flowers fall upon the grave of Aphra Behn for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds.» With this, Woolf attests to Behn’s lasting impact on women’s rights and literature. It highlights how her boldness and refusal to be silenced laid the groundwork for future generations of women writers to express their thoughts and opinions freely.

«Heaven has no rage like love to hatred turned, nor hell a fury like a woman scorned.» Aphra Behn

Despite her immense popularity, Aphra Behn faced her fair share of controversy. Her candid and provocative works often drew criticism, and like many other artists of her time, she faced accusations of indecency and immorality. However, Behn’s influence on future generations of writers cannot be denied.

Aphra Behn’s commitment to artistic freedom, her exploration of complex themes, and her daring portrayal of women’s agency and sexuality laid the groundwork for future female writers to come. As a woman in a time when female voices were often silenced, she defied expectations and carved out a place for herself in the literary world. She paved the way for future generations of women writers, reminding us all of the power of the written word to challenge, provoke, and inspire change. Aphra Behn’s legacy will forever remain a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the transformative power of literature. 

Marina Moré, October 2022