Aphra Behn

Aphra Behn, born on July tenth, sixteen forty, was a pioneering English playwright, poet, prose writer, and translator during the Restoration era. As one of the first women in England to earn a living through her writing, she shattered cultural barriers and became a literary role model for future generations of female authors. Her journey from obscurity to prominence included a notable stint as a spy for Charles II in Antwerp, which marked the beginning of her remarkable career.

Upon her return to London, Behn faced the challenges of a brief imprisonment due to debt, yet she emerged to make her mark on the theatrical scene. She was part of a vibrant circle of poets and libertines, including the notorious John Wilmot, Lord Rochester, and often wrote under the pastoral pseudonym Astrea. During the politically charged atmosphere of the Exclusion Crisis, her work led to legal troubles, prompting her to focus more on prose and translations.

A fervent supporter of the Stuart line, Behn declined an invitation from Bishop Burnet to compose a welcoming poem for the new king, William III, a decision that reflected her steadfast loyalty. She passed away shortly thereafter, leaving behind a legacy that would resonate through the ages. Virginia Woolf famously honored her in 'A Room of One's Own,' stating that all women should pay tribute to Behn, who earned them the right to express their thoughts freely.

Today, Behn is best remembered for her seminal works, including 'Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave,' often regarded as an early novel, and the play 'The Rover.' Though her grave is not located in the Poets' Corner, it lies in the East Cloister of Westminster Abbey, near the church steps, a testament to her enduring influence on literature and women's rights.