"The Rover" is a play written by Aphra Behn and first performed in 1677. Set in 17th-century Naples during Carnival season, the play follows the adventures of a group of English and Spanish aristocrats who have come to the city to enjoy the festivities. The titular character, Willmore, is a roguish English soldier who becomes involved with a group of women, including the courtesan Angellica Bianca, who is pursued by several suitors, and the virginal Hellena, who disguises herself as a gypsy to explore the city and pursue her own romantic interests. The play explores themes of gender and sexuality, with the female characters challenging traditional ideas of female chastity and submissiveness, and the male characters struggling with their own desires and expectations. The play is known for its witty dialogue, bawdy humor, and colorful characters, and is considered one of Behn's most successful works.
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