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In A Room of One’s Own, Virginia Woolf writes, “All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn…for it was she who earned them the right to speak their mind.” While the choice of flowers as a token of appreciation is suspect (how banal), Woolf’s point is well-taken. I don’t think she is implying that Behn is single-handedly responsible for securing this right for all womankind, that we should be grateful to Behn, and only Behn. Nor does she intend for this statement to be what it initially seems: paradoxical (”to earn” something that, by definition, one is entitled to by default). Rather, Woolf acknowledges Behn for realizing a possibility that didn’t previously exist. A right only actualizes upon the consciousness of its existence, and Behn made that critical leap. It’s hard for me to fathom having to legitimize the ability to speak my mind, precisely because I take it to be an inherent freedom, and I am indebted to Behn for making that notion seem like such an antiquated absurdity.
Surely all of us, in one way or another, stand on the shoulders of giants. However, too often I find that I simply presume to stand on level ground. Having worked relatively hard to be where I am, I generally feel as if I have earned most of what I’ve got. But Woolf’s statement reminds me that were it not for the toil of groundbreakers (martyrs?) such as Behn, I would not have the resources or the right to self-expression, which I view as an essential part of life (essential not to living but to being alive). As we do not live in a historical vacuum, I think those who have shaped the conditions under which we live deserve our recognition. While Behn is only one of many who have indirectly influenced the circumstances of my life, she represents that cast of individuals whom I feel have enabled me to be. In his introduction to Orientalism, Edward Said says something like a beginning should be a point that enables what is to follow. In that sense, Behn is one point of origin for me, as well as for this blog.
All corny inspiration aside, “behnding” simply means “speaking one’s mind.” Feel free to join me, as ideally, this site is a place where you and I will be in dialogue. Making up your own words is also encouraged here.
On whose shoulders do you stand?
