Tracking a 'monster of the wood...': Individual freedom and natural law in the works of Aphra Behn.

摘要

With a firm reliance on the influences of natural philosophy and Natural Law in the works of Aphra Behn, this thesis proves that by approaching the intricacies of human behavior with a scientific sensibility and embracing the oppressed through an exploration of the "unappealing" aspects of the natural world, Behn establishes herself as a predecessor of Gothic authors of the eighteenth century. In particular, much effort is spent cataloging the Gothic and grotesque elements of Behn's novella, Oroonoko. Essentially, this thesis is a product of feminist criticism. It places Behn at the forefront of eighteenth-century literary innovation and explores the issues of female sexual identity and individual freedom by illuminating the subversive strands throughout Behn's works.