Discussion Starter
for
Aphra Behn's
"The Disappointment"

"Artist: Boucher, François (French 1703-1770) Rococo painter, noted for his pastoral and mythological scenes, whose work embodies the frivolity and sensuousness of the rococo style."

• In the pastoral tradition, "Lysander" and "Cloris" are typical names for an innocent shepherd and shepherdess
• In the phrase, "Surprised fair Cloris" (line 3), the word "surprise" is used in the sense of "take or catch unawares." In other words, Lysander ambushes Cloris.
• In line 35, "Each touch her new desire alarms," the word "alarm" is used in the now obsolete sense of "To rouse to action, urge on, incite" (OED).

1. Lines 21-23: What emotions of Cloris give Lysander "Fresh vigor"?
2. What does line 24 say about Cloris' state of mind in her speech that follows (printed in italics)?
3. In line 31, what is it that Lysander could possibly fear? (Hint: you'll find the answer in the preceding speech by Cloris.)
4. What do lines 65-69 say about how Cloris' emotions have changed from what they were earlier?
5. What is the plain name of "Nature's support" (line 81)?
6. Footnote #4, p. 2182, defines "insensible" as though the word is an adjective, which it is, but Behn uses the word as a noun, as is indicated by the "The." What is the plain name of the object Behn is writing about?
7. What is the correct paraphrase of line 74?
   1. "Pleasure of the sort which destroys excessive love."
   2. "Pleasure of the sort which destroys love in too many people."
   3. "Pleasure of the sort which is destroyed by excessive love."
   4. "Pleasure of the sort which is destroyed by love in too many people."
   5. None of the above; there's a better paraphrase, which is . . . .

1. What is the tone of this poem? Are we supposed to smile?
2. What would have made the encounter between Cloris and Lysander satisfying rather than disappointing?
3. What is Behn's view of:
   • Men's sexual attitudes?
   • Women's sexual attitudes?
   • The pastoral?