Aphra Behn, a trailblazing female writer of the 17th century, is renowned for her contributions to English literature and early feminist discourse. Her poem 'On Her Loving Two Equally' delves into themes of love, choice, and female autonomy, reflecting the emotional conflict of a woman torn between two lovers. Behn's work challenges societal norms and offers a satirical take on gender dynamics, highlighting her significance in literary history.
Show More
Aphra Behn was a pioneering figure in English literature, often celebrated as one of the first women in England to earn a living as a writer
Virginia Woolf's acknowledgement
Virginia Woolf famously acknowledged Behn's role in her essay "A Room of One's Own," where she stated that Behn's success paved the way for women to speak their minds through writing
Female autonomy and sexual freedom
Behn's body of work frequently addresses themes of female autonomy and sexual freedom, challenging the societal norms of her time
The poem is composed of three sestets (six-line stanzas) with a distinct rhyme scheme, reflecting the speaker's internal conflict
Rhetorical questions, metaphors, and alliteration
The use of rhetorical questions, metaphors, and alliteration enriches the text, providing depth to the speaker's indecision and dissatisfaction
The poem's structure and tone reflect the speaker's struggle to reconcile her equal love for both men, which remains unresolved
The poem's structured form, consistent rhyme scheme, and occasional use of slant rhyme convey the speaker's emotional discord
The first-person narrative allows readers to delve into the speaker's inner conflict
The use of alliteration, rhetorical questions, and metaphors adds depth to the speaker's emotional turmoil
The poem's unresolved ending suggests that true love and passion cannot be split equally between two individuals and ultimately leads to dissatisfaction
The poem parodies the conventions of male-centric literature by presenting a woman who humorously grapples with the choice between two lovers
Double standards for men and women
Behn's use of a playful tone and a capricious speaker allows her to critique social norms and expose the era's double standards
The poem stands as a commentary on the restrictive roles imposed on women in the 17th century
00
In her essay 'A Room of One's Own,' ______ credited ______ with opening doors for women in the field of writing.
Virginia Woolf
Aphra Behn
01
Poem Structure: 'On Her Loving Two Equally'
Three sestets with rhyme scheme AABBCC DEDEFF GGHHII.
02
Literary Devices Used
Rhetorical questions, metaphors, alliteration.
