Abstract
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)"

Tags:slavery, sexism

Abstract
This paper argues that 'Oroonoko' is told through a racist narrative. The writer discusses that although the narrator is in awe of Oroonoko, she is the powerless voice of the anti-slavery that must use the construct of racism to define Oroonoko as s superior human being, but also defines him as a rare example of an inferior race.

Tags:race, slavery

Abstract
This paper examines the play "The Widow Ranter", which is set in the British colony of Virginia where the action takes place during the rebellion of 1676 rebellion of Nathaniel Bacon against the then governor, William Berkeley. It looks at how Behn chooses to modify the actions and identities of the lead players in the rebellion that makes for an interesting analysis of the play and the fictional counterparts of Bacon and the governors of the colony. It also explores how Behn's concern with masculinity is key to the construction of both the heroes and the authority figures and also to the depiction of the New World and the establishment of the beginnings of a capitalist society.

From the Paper
"It is useful to note the four groups of male protagonists within the play: the young Englishmen determined to find their fortune in Virginia, Hazard and Friendly; the honorable rebel Bacon; the Council and the colonial authority; and finally, the Indian king and the Americans Indians. These groups are particular in their motives and characteristics, each representing a different part of the social structure of Behn's Virginia, and illustrating her views of the distinction between England and the New World and its developing ideas of honor and identity - ideas which Behn, as a Tory and a Royalist, did not necessarily appreciate, rather favoring the old world tradition of respectability being inherited through noble birth."

Tags:berkeley, england, feminist, restoration, william

Abstract
Examining the autobiographical content of the novel and discussion with relation to current feminist criticism and new historicism. The writer explains how the novel is an examination and perhaps a critical analysis of Behn's role as a woman and a writer as separate entities and also her status as a woman writer.

From the Paper
"Aphra Behn s novel Oroonoko can be read from a feminist perspective very effectively as it is possible to draw parallels between the slave experiences of Oroonoko and the experience of being a woman at that time. The novel has a somewhat autobiographical content. Behn moved from her birthplace near Canterbury in England to Surinam in the West Indies during her childhood, her father died during the crossing, as did the narrators, so we assume that the narrator is Behn herself. There she met an enslaved prince called Oroonoko who was the basis for her novel Oroonoko or the Royal slave."

Tags:criticism, enlightenment, historicism, literature, new, rennaissance, women, writers

From the Paper
" Aphra Behn, in Oroonoko, plays a central role as narrator and character. The purpose of her piece is to persuade the reader that the "Royal Slave," Oroonoko, a character who is supposed to be a savage by European or English standards, is actually far more noble and civilized than the Europeans. The Europeans, on the other hand, are the true savages, or at least that is Behn's argument.

In order to give her story added credence, Behn claims that it is a true history. She claims that she is reporting what she herself saw and experienced, as well as what the hero himself told her about his life. Perhaps there is some irony in the first words of her narrative "I do not pretend" (1866), with the implication that she is not writing fiction but non-fiction. We cannot know, of course, precisely how much of the story she.."

From the Paper
"This study will compare Oroonoko in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko and Bigger Thomas in Richard Wright's Native Son, focusing on the authors' views and their conception of the characters in relation to racism. The study will argue that both authors have created courageous and defiant black men determined to resist racism with any means necessary, although Behn has also created a black man designed to show that blacks are and/or can be more civilized, more humane than the white people who claim to be the representatives of civilization and society.
Behn plays the role of narrator as well as character in her novel. The purpose of her work is to try to convince the reader that Oroonoko, the so-called "Royal Slave" is not the frightening and savage creature which Europeans fear he is, but is instead more civilized than the Europeans themselves. Behn, however, goes.."

Abstract
The paper discusses the theme of the Other and imperialism in Aphra Behn's "Oronooko".

From the Paper
"The text that sits at the center of this essay and analysis is Aphra Behn's "Oronooko" which is subtitled "The Royal Slave: A True History". What is particularly significant about this novel is that Behn has Europeanized her title character, transforming him from the Other of the African slave into a person who literary critic Joseph M. Ortiz describes as Romanesque and a locus classicus for discussions of the self-centered imperialist stance of the narrator. The specific passage taken from Behn's book is..."

Tags:Aphra Ben, Oronooko

Abstract
This paper discusses the importance of the love between the protagonists in Aphra Behn's "Oroonoko". The paper also describes the appeal of the protagonist in the story due to his strength of character and his being honest and forthcoming with his love interest. The paper examines how these strengths of character emanate from the protagonist's privileged aristocratic status. The paper asserts that those of the aristocracy have had more time to develop and cultivate their human instincts and emotions.

From the Paper
"Oroonoko, according to Behn, tells Imoinda that he adores her relatively quickly, due to his "quality." This quality of course refers to his quality of character and nobility where he will feel very deeply and state those feelings directly. This is as opposed to playing games, faking his feelings, or abusing those feelings in any way. He respects and honors those feelings of that he expresses directly to Imoinda. This also demonstrates the love and honor he has for her, which implies he is of higher stock as an individual that values human emotions."

Tags:love romance intimacy, aphra behn, imoinda aristocracy nobility

Abstract
This paper uses "The Lucky Chance", a play by Aphra Behn, to extemporize on what theater in the restoration period might have been like for the audiences that attended it. Drawing examples from the play it examines scenography and the lines themselves in order to draw conclusions about the nature of theater at this time.

From the Paper
"The play "The Lucky Chance" by Aphra Behn has many such clues, and the first to be looked at here is the use of song in the play. Songs intersperse the text at several points, including during Sir Feeble and Leticia's reception and during the scene between Gayman and his landlady. These songs affect the tempo of the scene and indeed the play as a whole, because as a rule they do little to further the plot. They act as more of a summation of the events preceding it, in much the same way as the chorus in Ancient Greek tragedy functions."

Tags:anti, aphra, behn, chorus, composers, dark, hero, lantern, purcell, restoration, staging, theatre

Abstract
The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that Milton presents a very Christian and patriarchal view of women while Aphra Behn provides a very feminine - and feminist - depiction of the so-called "fairer sex".

From the Paper
The Different Perceptions of Gender in Paradise Lost and Oroonoko The following paper will look at the differing perceptions of gender in Paradise Lost and in Aphra Behn's, Oroonoko. Specifically, the paper will argue that Milton's text portrays women as weak-willed beings (for the most part) who are credulous and who should remain loyally fastened to their husbands' sides. By comparison, Aphra Behn - through the character of Imoionda - shows women (at least one woman) as being thoughtful, defiant, able to manipulate others (in Imoionda's case, it is the elderly king), and assertive when it comes to her own sexuality (she knows the man she wishes to be with, in other words). Ultimately, it may be argued that

Tags:gender, milton, behn