The Rover, Act 5

The final act begins by developing a plot point first introduced in Act 3 and Act 4 (see 3.5.50-55, 4.5.30-46, and 4.5.100-102). The attempted rape (and beating) of Florinda by Blunt and Frederick (preceded by Willmore’s own attempt in Act 3) evolves in Act 5 into the appalling spectacle of Florinda being pursued at once by Willmore, Blunt, and Pedro. Though Pedro does not know that the disguised Florinda is his sister, the scene nevertheless intensifies the play’s already considerable prurience by introducing the element of incest.

What are we to make of this? Why does Behn include this disturbing spectacle of sexual violence and incest?

And what about the fact that even Frederick, one of the play’s ostensibly “good” male characters, says and does some incriminating things? After all, he involves himself with Blunt in the assault on Florinda in Act 4. Comment on what he says in the following passages:

• 4.5.83-90
• 4.5.123-25

Then, consider and comment on what happens at 5.1.149-72.

As distinct from these other men, Belvile on the whole is an honorable man. This has much to do with his role, jointly with Florinda, as one half of the play’s heroi-comic couple. But perhaps he is flawed in some way or other? Comment if you think so, and be sure to support your claim by citing specific evidence.

Belvile and Florinda are not the play’s sole heroic couple. Indeed, the love interest of the younger sister, Hellena, and lesser male character, Willmore, is arguably more interesting than that of Belvile and Florinda. The latter is pretty typical in its portrayal of “true” love (based on mutual attraction and desire) competing with matrimony as a primarily economic institution.

The Hellena/Willmore match includes this element of economic interest, but the relationship is complicated in other ways as well. How so? Examine and comment on the couple’s exchanges at

• 5.1.385-470
• 5.1.547-53

Consider now the role of Angellica Bianca in the play. She and Willmore, like Willmore and Hellena, are a couple far more interesting in some respects than Belvile and Florinda. Examine their remarkable final encounter at 5.1.193-342 and respond to any aspect of the exchange you find striking or otherwise interesting.

Finally, consider the following tables and questions:

How might you complete the latter row, and why?

A final twist and question:

I have not figured out yet what it is I am trying to get it with this configuration, but I offer it for your consideration and would like very much to read your responses. I am suggesting that the middle column’s characters symbolize attributes that (a) Willmore wants in a love partner, cannot quite decide, but (reluctantly) settles on Hellena; and (b) Angellica Bianca has considered as optional persons to be (and has been at one time or other)—but she disappears from the play without resolving the conflict.

I suspect I’m missing a lot here and invite your help to clarify. Comments?