The Role of Queen Semernia

The Role of Queen Semernia

In Aphra Behn's Widow Ranter, Semernia, referred to as the "Indian Queen" is one character that deals with an immense amount of conflicting emotions, harm to her well-being, and produces a false persona to hide and protect her identity. Semernia, married to Cavernio, the "Indian King", is in love with Bacon, General of the English and leader of the colonization occurring throughout the plot. Despite Semernia's love for Bacon, she recognizes his murderous and treacherous ways. She does not tell Bacon about her feelings until he has fatally wounded her. Before this occurs, Semernia disguises herself as a man to hide from Bacon's attacks and impending control over her. 

The actor cast to play Semernia must be able to portray her conflicting towards Bacon. They also must have the ability to act as a woman pretending to be a man. Widow Ranter contrasts from other stories facing colonization as Semernia does not end up with Bacon. She fights against his control, despite her love for him. The University of Oxford explains that this play acts as commentary to other "love stories" that portray the opposite, such as Pocahontas and John Smith. That story has been fabricated to be perceived as one as love, when in reality, John Smith stole Pocahontas' autonomy, along with the rest of the indigenous people he colonized. The actor must be prepared to show this message and not focus on the fact that Semernia loved Bacon. Although she did love him, she realized his true intentions and capabilities. Widow Ranter is not a "star-crossed love story", but one that resembles what actually occurred during this period. The director should instruct the actor of Semernia to outwardly show her confliction, struggles, and pain. 

Works Cited

University of Oxford. “The Widow Ranter by Aphra Behn.” Faculty of English, www.english.ox.ac.uk/article/the-widow-ranter-by-aphra-behn. Accessed 24 Mar. 2025.