Hamilton is an English teacher at Cary Academy, a private college preparatory school in Cary, North Carolina. In this essay, Hamilton examines the use of the concept of a "performative space" in Behn's play as a means for the expression of illicit desires.

The setting of carnival time in Naples in Aphra Behn's play The Rover allows two sets of characters to explore their sexual desires in a "performative space" that grants them an unusual amount of freedom from external constraint, from public view, and from suffering the consequences of their actions. The term "performative space" refers to the way that characters on and off the stage respond to differing expectations that are associated with place and dress. The Rover explores three performative spaces: the carnival world, the theater, and London society. Carnival time is the epitome of a special performative space. Carnival goers for various reasons...