The HIstory of the Nun by Aphra Behn

Background

• When the word "history" is mentioned, it hints that these stories are sexual/romantic
• Aphra Behn just wanted to sell books, so she had to sensationalize her titles
• At the time of this story, nuns and monks have a reputation for being perverts and overly sexualized
• Your destiny is predetermined for you (nun, heir, soldier, monk, etc.) 
• Being a nun was only for the wealthy in these times because you have to buy your way into the convent

The History of the Nun

The History of the Nun most definitely conforms to the standards of the medieval romance because she mourned for her husband for five years, Henault went to war on a quest for money from his father, and she kills her first husband to prevent being called an adulteress for remarrying her second husband. Isabella begins the story as an innocent and virginal girl and Behn later ties these attributes with Isabella's femme fatale role in this story. 

Isabella made the choice to enter religion over a life of wealth. Isabella constantly battles religious impulses throughout her life. Isabella acknowledges that she broke a vow of marriage to God, so therefore she is deserving of execution/death. Isabella says her story should serve as a lesson to all not to break your religious vows. 

Time is significant to this story because she waited three years to grieve before marrying Villenoy and Henault returned seven years later when he was not dead from war. These numbers (in years) are religiously significant numbers. 

Isabella may potentially be going through multiple psychic states because she has somewhat been pressured into a religious life as a nun instead of marrying a wealthy man and leading a relatively normal life. Isabella may have been torn between her own desires and maintaining her religious reputation and standards placed upon her. Isabella's perpetual sins may have driven her to insanity as she had to commit multiple sins to cover up her shortcomings. 

We are supposed to feel bad for Isabella I believe because she may have been torn by her love for both men and couldn't have them both, so she removed these desires from her mind by killing these men. Also, Henault takes so long to return home from war, allowing Isabella time to again internally justify marriage, and Henault's hasty return may have been emotionally overwhelming to Isabella, evoking sympathy from the reader.