"With old plays you have so long been cloyed": James Shirley's influence on Aphra Behn

This article emphasises the unrecognised popularity of Caroline playwright James Shirley’s drama on Restoration stage, demonstrating that – after Fletcher Shirley, Shakespeare and Jonson pegged pretty level in 1660s when it came to revivals. Aphra Behn’s use The Lady Pleasure (printed 1637) her later play, Lucky Chance (performed 1686), raises questions about why neither it, nor popular Bird a Cage 1633) were revived Restoration. Behn must have been reading Shirley 1680s since there are direct verbal echoes arguing for engagement with earlier drama. Scholars repeatedly connect because playlet leaves room lesbian desire which reverberates also within poetry other share an interest politics transactional sex, themes run through both plays so much writing. follows showing negotiations necessary women remain independent virtuous system stacked against them.