Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko"

Paper Summary:

This paper looks at how the novella "Oroonoko" by Aphra Behn is a controversial account of slavery, sexism and murder in 17th century colonial Surinam. The paper relates that, in the story, Oroonoko, the Prince of Coramantien, falls in love with the beautiful Imoinda. The paper then discusses how, as a central figure plagued with many ethical decisions, Imoinda must determine her destiny throughout the text. One of the first ethical decisions she is forced to handle is whether or not to engage in her affection for Oroonoko or to become the King's wife. The paper concludes that although faced with a life of hardship and taxing emotional dilemmas, Imoinda conquers her fate with pride and confidence.

From the Paper:

"Many historical occurrences shaped the views and politics surrounding Behn's Oroonoko. In the 1650's the colony of Surinam began implementing slave trade to aid in sugar cane production. Slaves from England, Africa and the Caribbean were supplied to the area for labor. Raids for slaves, like the one evident in Oroonoko, were a part of this culture. In this area, like most of the world, a defined hierarchy was accepted. The English explorers and sugar plantation owners were among the elitist group. Women were often the victims of a social stratification, treated like slaves or lower class citizens. There are arguments that Aphra Behn never experienced Surinam for herself, but reflected on the experiences of other explorers. Many believe her vivid account with elaborate details support her claims of traveling to this land. (Todd 2000)"

Sample of Sources Used:

• Andrade, Susan Z., "White Skin, Black Masks: Colonialism and the Sexual Politics of Oroonoko" Cultural Critique, No. 27, 1994, pg. 189-214, JSTOR
• Behn, Aphra, "Oroonoko" The Longman Anthology: British Literature vol. 1C, Pearson Education, Inc., 2006
• Todd, Janet, "The Secret Life of Aphra Behn" London, Pandora Press 2000.

More papers on Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko":

• Analytical Essay # 136753 : "Ideology of Racism in 'Oroonoko' by Aphra Behn"
• Analytical Essay # 25262 : "Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko"
• Book Review # 117628 : "Love and Aristocracy in "Oroonoko"

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