# Aphra Behn

> British playwright, poet and spy (1640–1689)

**Wikidata**: [Q231886](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q231886)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Aphra_Behn)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/aphra-behn

## Summary
Aphra Behn (1640–1689) was a British playwright, poet, and novelist, widely recognized as one of the first professional female writers in English literature. She is most notable for her pioneering contributions to Restoration drama and for her novel *Oroonoko*, often considered one of the earliest English novels.

## Biography
- Born: 10 July 1640, in Kent, England (alternatively listed as 1640)
- Nationality: Kingdom of England
- Education: Unknown
- Known for: Being a foundational figure in English literature as a playwright, poet, and early novelist
- Employer(s): Unknown
- Field(s): Literature, Drama, Poetry, Espionage

## Contributions
Aphra Behn was a trailblazing literary figure whose works include plays, poetry, and fiction that significantly shaped Restoration literature. Her major contributions include:
- *Oroonoko* (1688) – A novella often cited as one of the first English novels, exploring themes of slavery and colonialism.
- *Abdelazer* (1676) – A tragedy that exemplifies her dramatic style and influence on Restoration theatre.
- Numerous plays, poems, and translations that established her as one of the first women to earn a living through writing.
- Pioneering the use of epistolary fiction, a literary form that presents narratives through exchanged letters.
- Advocacy for women's rights through her literary voice and personal example as a professional female writer.

## FAQs
**What is Aphra Behn most famous for?**  
Aphra Behn is most famous for being one of the first Englishwomen to earn her living as a writer, particularly through her plays and the novel *Oroonoko*, which is often considered one of the earliest English novels.

**What genres did Aphra Behn write in?**  
She wrote primarily in drama, poetry, and fiction. Her works include tragedies, comedies, and romance, and she is also known for employing the epistolary form in some of her narratives.

**Was Aphra Behn involved in espionage?**  
Yes, Behn is known to have worked as a spy during the Dutch and later English colonial conflicts, although details of her activities are sparse.

**What are some of Aphra Behn’s notable works?**  
Notable works include *Oroonoko* (1688), *Abdelazer* (1676), and a number of other plays and poems that helped define Restoration literature.

**Did Aphra Behn influence later writers?**  
Yes, her work influenced the development of the English novel and provided a model for female writers, contributing to the broader acceptance of women in literature.

## Why They Matter
Aphra Behn’s significance lies in her role as a literary pioneer who broke gender barriers in a male-dominated field. She was among the first women to establish writing as a profession, influencing generations of female authors. Her novel *Oroonoko* is a landmark in early English fiction, addressing themes of race, slavery, and colonialism. Her plays shaped Restoration drama, and her poetic contributions added to the richness of 17th-century English literature. Without her, the trajectory of women in literature and the development of the English novel might have been delayed.

## Notable For
- Being one of the first professional female writers in England
- Writing *Oroonoko*, often considered one of the first English novels
- Pioneering Restoration drama with works like *Abdelazer*
- Advocating for women’s rights through her literary career
- Employing the epistolary form in fiction
- Influencing the development of English literature and the novel form
- Being a poet and translator in addition to her narrative works
- Creating a legacy that inspired future generations of female writers

## Body

### Early Life
Aphra Behn was born in 1640, possibly in Kent, England. Her exact birthdate is sometimes cited as 10 July 1640 or 14 December 1640. She was also known by the aliases Astrea, Aphra Johnson, and Afra Behn. Her early life remains largely undocumented, but she is believed to have been associated with the court and literary circles of the time.

### Career and Literary Contributions
Behn was a versatile writer whose career spanned multiple genres:
- **Drama**: She authored several plays, including *Abdelazer* (1676), a tragedy that showcased her dramatic flair and contributed to the evolving Restoration theatrical landscape.
- **Fiction**: Her novella *Oroonoko* (1688) is a landmark work, often cited as one of the first English novels. It explores themes of slavery, nobility, and colonialism, and is considered a precursor to the modern novel.
- **Poetry**: Behn’s poetry, while less known than her prose, contributed to the literary landscape of her time, emphasizing emotional expression and linguistic artistry.
- **Epistolary Fiction**: She was among the early adopters of epistolary fiction, using letter exchanges to develop narrative and character depth.

### Espionage and Other Roles
Aphra Behn is also noted for her work as a spy, though details are sparse. She reportedly engaged in intelligence work during the Anglo-Dutch wars, possibly in service to the Crown. This aspect of her life adds to her intrigue and complexity as a historical figure.

### Influence and Legacy
Behn’s influence on literature is profound:
- She paved the way for women in literature, becoming a model for future female authors.
- Her works contributed to the development of the English novel and drama.
- She is credited with helping to establish the professional role of the writer, particularly for women.
- Her legacy includes a body of work that continues to be studied for its literary, historical, and feminist significance.

### Personal Life and Identity
- **Citizenship**: Kingdom of England
- **Occupation**: Playwright, poet, novelist, translator, spy
- **Aliases**: Astrea, Aphra Johnson, Afra Behn
- **Notable Works**: *Oroonoko*, *Abdelazer*, and numerous plays and poems
- **Fields**: Literature, poetry, drama, fiction, translation

### Recognition and Cultural Impact
Aphra Behn’s contributions have been recognized through:
- Inclusion in academic curricula and literary studies
- Her works being preserved and analyzed for their historical and literary value
- Influence on later writers, including those in the Romantic and Victorian eras
- Recognition as a feminist icon in literature

Her life and work continue to be celebrated for their innovation, depth, and enduring relevance in the canon of English literature.

## References

1. Digital Library for Dutch Literature
2. [Digital Library for Dutch Literature](https://dbnl.nl/auteurs/auteur.php?id=behn001)
3. BnF authorities
4. Integrated Authority File
5. poets.org
6. Library of the World's Best Literature
7. The Feminist Companion to Literature in English
8. International Standard Name Identifier
9. Virtual International Authority File
10. CiNii Research
11. [The Spy Who Became England’s First Successful Female Writer. Smithsonian Magazine. 2017](https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/spy-who-became-englands-first-successful-female-writer-180963643/)
12. FemBio database
13. A historical dictionary of British women
14. [Source](https://www.bartleby.com/library/bios/index2.html)
15. Aphra Behn. Biografisch Portaal
16. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
17. SNAC
18. Find a Grave
19. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
20. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
21. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
22. [Source](https://link.springer.com/chapter/10.1007/978-3-476-03702-2_32)
23. CONOR.SI
24. [Library of Congress Authorities](http://id.loc.gov/authorities/names/n50006616)
25. [German National Library](https://d-nb.info/gnd/118657925)
26. BBC Things
27. [Encyclopedia.com](https://www.encyclopedia.com/people/literature-and-arts/english-literature-1500-1799-biographies/aphra-behn)
28. Czech National Authority Database
29. [Aphra Behn | Poetry In Voice](https://www.poetryinvoice.com/poems/poets/aphra-behn-0)
30. LIBRIS. 2018
31. Golden
32. performing-arts.ch
33. Catalogo of the National Library of India