Widow Ranter

Exploring Daring in Widow Ranter

“The Widow Ranter: Or, the History of Bacon in Virginia” written by Aphra Behn is unique in many ways. One of the most interesting elements of the play is the naming and descriptions of characters. For example, “Daring” is one of the Lieutenant Generals to General Bacon. Daring is accompanied by “Fearless”, the other Lieutenant General. Behn’s choice to name characters after adjectives speaks volumes as to the how those characters, or the positions and roles they serve, are truly thought of.

The Merriam-Webster defines “daring” as both an adjective and a noun. The adjective definition states that daring means “venturesomely bold in action or thought”. Boldness in thought and action could be considered essential for a Lieutenant General who needs to plan, assess, and be creative in their war approaches.

In a production of Widow Ranter, I would direct an actor to embody the word “daring” in his portrayal of the character while still being a flawed human. In Act IV, Scene II, Fear enters quickly summoning General Bacon by stating: “Haste, haste, Sir, to the Entrance of the Wood, Daring’s engaged past hope of a Retreat, venturing too far, pursuing of the Foe; the King in Ambush, with his 282poison’d Archers, fell on, and now we are dangerously distrest” (280-283). Bacon replies: “Daring is brave, but he’s withal too rash, come on and follow me to his Assistance” (284-285). This clearly shows that Daring embodies being bold in action and thought but is still flawed by human nature as someone who is rash and too quick.

Further evidence shows that Daring is bold in action when “Bacon, Fearless and Daring come in, rescue their Men, and fight out the other Party” (301-302). Daring is ultimately promoted to General after Bacon dies, showing that he has the capabilities of being a great leader. It is important to remember that all great leaders are still human and must be subjected to the trials, tribulations, and failures of humanity.

Works Cited

Behn, Aphra. The Widow Ranter, Project Gutenberg, www.gutenberg.org/files/27273/27273-h/widow.html.

“Daring.” Merriam-Webster, Merriam-Webster, www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/daring.