8.5 Aphra Behn's Oroonoko
7 min read•august 21, 2024
Aphra Behn's stands as a groundbreaking work in English literature. Set against the backdrop of 17th-century , this novella blends romance, travel narrative, and social commentary to tell the tragic tale of an enslaved African prince.
Oroonoko's innovative narrative structure and complex themes make it a precursor to the modern novel. Behn's portrayal of and her exploration of race, love, and power continue to resonate, cementing the work's place in literary history and ongoing cultural discussions.
Historical context
- Oroonoko emerges during the Restoration period, reflecting societal shifts and literary trends of 17th century England
- The novella engages with themes of colonialism, slavery, and early novel development, situating it as a pivotal work in English literature
- Behn's text provides insight into the complex cultural landscape of the late 1600s, blending fact and fiction
Restoration period literature
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- Characterized by a revival of theater and prose after Puritan rule
- Emphasized wit, satire, and exploration of social norms
- Marked by increased participation of women writers (Aphra Behn, Margaret Cavendish)
- Reflected growing interest in travel narratives and exotic settings
Colonialism and slavery
- European powers expanding global empires through colonization
- Transatlantic slave trade at its height, fueling plantation economies
- Behn's firsthand experiences in Surinam inform her depiction of colonial life
- Oroonoko challenges and reinforces contemporary views on race and slavery
Early novel development
- Oroonoko considered a precursor to the English novel
- Blends elements of romance, biography, and travel writing
- Introduces complex character development and psychological realism
- Experiments with and perspective, influencing later novelists
Plot summary
- Oroonoko follows the tragic story of an African prince sold into slavery
- The narrative spans multiple settings, from Africa to South America
- Behn's plot intertwines themes of love, honor, and the brutality of slavery
Coramantien setting
- Introduces Oroonoko as a noble and accomplished African prince
- Details Oroonoko's romance with , the king's intended wife
- Explores court intrigues leading to Oroonoko and Imoinda's separation
- Culminates in Oroonoko's betrayal and enslavement by an English captain
Surinam plantation events
- Oroonoko (renamed Caesar) reunites with Imoinda (renamed Clemene) on the plantation
- Depicts daily life and social dynamics among slaves and colonists
- Narrates Oroonoko's growing discontent and leadership among fellow slaves
- Describes Oroonoko's failed slave rebellion and its aftermath
Tragic conclusion
- Oroonoko's capture and brutal punishment by colonial authorities
- His decision to kill Imoinda to spare her further suffering
- Oroonoko's stoic endurance of torture and eventual execution
- Narrator's reflection on the injustice and tragedy of Oroonoko's fate
Narrative structure
- Behn employs innovative narrative techniques in Oroonoko
- The structure blends firsthand account with omniscient narration
- Temporal shifts and multiple perspectives enhance the story's complexity
Frame narrative technique
- Story presented as a personal account by an English woman in Surinam
- Narrator claims to have witnessed events and interacted with Oroonoko
- Frame allows for both insider and outsider perspectives on the story
- Technique lends authenticity to the tale while allowing for literary embellishment
Reliability of narrator
- Narrator presents herself as truthful and sympathetic to Oroonoko
- Questions arise about the extent of her actual knowledge and experiences
- Discrepancies between claimed eyewitness accounts and omniscient narration
- Narrator's biases and cultural perspective influence the portrayal of events
Time shifts and flashbacks
- Narrative moves between present-day Surinam and Oroonoko's past in Africa
- Flashbacks reveal crucial background information about characters
- Non-linear structure creates suspense and deepens character development
- Shifts in time reflect the disjointed experience of displacement and slavery
Themes and motifs
- Oroonoko explores complex themes relevant to its historical context
- The novella grapples with issues of identity, power, and human nature
- Behn weaves recurring motifs throughout the text to reinforce key ideas
Love and honor
- Central romance between Oroonoko and Imoinda embodies ideals of true love
- Oroonoko's actions driven by personal and cultural concepts of honor
- Tension between love and duty in both African and colonial settings
- Tragic ending highlights the destructive power of a world that devalues love and honor
Race and identity
- Portrayal of Oroonoko challenges contemporary racial stereotypes
- Explores the construction of racial identity in colonial contexts
- Contrasts European and African concepts of nobility and worth
- Examines how slavery and oppression impact individual and cultural identity
Power and oppression
- Depicts various forms of power (royal, colonial, patriarchal)
- Explores how power structures enable and perpetuate slavery
- Contrasts Oroonoko's power in Africa with his powerlessness as a slave
- Examines resistance to oppression through Oroonoko's rebellion and final actions
Character analysis
- Behn creates complex, multifaceted characters in Oroonoko
- Character development reflects themes of identity, culture, and power
- Analysis reveals the interplay between individual agency and societal constraints
Oroonoko (Caesar)
- Noble African prince known for his beauty, intelligence, and martial prowess
- Embodies ideals of European aristocracy while challenging racial stereotypes
- Struggles to reconcile his royal identity with his enslaved status
- Tragic hero whose downfall stems from his adherence to principles of honor
Imoinda (Clemene)
- Beautiful and devoted lover of Oroonoko
- Represents ideals of feminine virtue and constancy
- Navigates complex power dynamics as object of male desire
- Chooses death over continued enslavement, asserting agency in limited ways
Narrator vs Behn
- Narrator presents herself as eyewitness and friend to Oroonoko
- Similarities between narrator and Behn blur lines between fact and fiction
- Narrator's sympathies and limitations reflect complex colonial perspectives
- Behn's authorial voice emerges in social commentary and moral judgments
Literary devices
- Behn employs various literary techniques to enhance her narrative
- Devices contribute to the work's emotional impact and thematic depth
- Use of literary elements reflects Behn's skill as a dramatist and prose writer
Symbolism and imagery
- Royal symbols (crowns, scepters) contrast with symbols of slavery (whips, chains)
- Natural (tigers, serpents) reflects characters' qualities and situations
- Descriptions of physical beauty symbolize moral and spiritual qualities
- Use of light and dark imagery reinforces themes of race and morality
Irony and foreshadowing
- Ironic contrast between Oroonoko's noble character and his enslaved status
- of tragedy through omens and premonitions
- Situational irony in Oroonoko's betrayal by those he trusts
- Dramatic irony in reader's awareness of impending doom for characters
Descriptive language
- Vivid depictions of African and South American landscapes
- Detailed physical descriptions of characters emphasize their exceptional qualities
- Sensory language immerses readers in unfamiliar settings and cultures
- Emotional language evokes sympathy for characters' plights
Genre considerations
- Oroonoko defies simple genre classification
- The work incorporates elements from multiple literary traditions
- Behn's genre-blending approach contributes to the text's literary significance
Romance vs realism
- Incorporates romantic elements (idealized love, noble hero, exotic settings)
- Balances romance with realistic depictions of slavery and colonial life
- Tension between romantic ideals and harsh realities drives narrative conflict
- Behn's approach anticipates later developments in the realist novel
Travel narrative elements
- Detailed descriptions of foreign lands and customs
- Narrator positioned as cultural interpreter for English readers
- Incorporation of ethnographic observations and commentary
- Reflects growing public interest in accounts of distant places and peoples
Proto-novel characteristics
- Complex character development and psychological insight
- Coherent plot structure with clear beginning, middle, and end
- Exploration of social and moral issues through narrative
- Experimentation with narrative voice and perspective
Critical interpretations
- Oroonoko has been subject to diverse critical analyses over time
- Interpretations reflect changing literary theories and social contexts
- Critical approaches reveal the text's richness and ongoing relevance
Feminist perspectives
- Examines Behn's role as one of the first professional women writers
- Analyzes portrayal of female characters and gender dynamics
- Considers intersection of gender and race in colonial contexts
- Explores narrator's voice as a form of female authorial power
Postcolonial readings
- Critiques representation of African characters and culture
- Examines text's engagement with and critique of colonialism
- Analyzes complex power dynamics in colonial settings
- Considers Oroonoko's legacy in shaping discourse on race and empire
Biographical connections
- Explores parallels between Behn's life and 's experiences
- Considers how Behn's royalist sympathies influence the portrayal of Oroonoko
- Examines potential real-life inspirations for characters and events
- Analyzes Behn's motivations for writing about slavery and colonialism
Legacy and influence
- Oroonoko has had a lasting impact on literature and social thought
- The novella's influence extends beyond its immediate historical context
- Behn's work continues to be studied and adapted in various forms
Impact on abolitionist movement
- Early literary work to humanize enslaved Africans
- Influenced later abolitionist literature (Equiano's Narrative)
- Contributed to growing awareness of slavery's moral implications
- Used as evidence in arguments against the slave trade
Contribution to English literature
- Pioneered new narrative techniques and themes
- Influenced development of the novel as a literary form
- Expanded possibilities for women writers in English literature
- Bridged gap between Restoration drama and 18th-century prose fiction
Adaptations and retellings
- Numerous stage adaptations, including Thomas Southerne's 1695 play
- Inspired later novels and poems addressing similar themes
- Adapted for film and television in the 20th and 21st centuries
- Reinterpreted in postcolonial and feminist retellings
Comparative analysis
- Comparing Oroonoko to other works provides context for its significance
- Analysis reveals Behn's unique contributions to literature of her time
- Comparisons highlight the text's innovative aspects and enduring themes
Oroonoko vs other Behn works
- Contrasts with Behn's comedic plays and shorter prose works
- Shares themes of love and honor with her other writings
- More serious tone and subject matter than most of her oeuvre
- Demonstrates Behn's versatility as a writer across genres
Oroonoko vs contemporary literature
- More sympathetic portrayal of non-European characters than typical for its time
- Combines elements of popular genres (romance, travel narrative) in new ways
- Addresses slavery more directly than most contemporary English literature
- Anticipates later developments in the novel form (Richardson, Defoe)
Key Terms to Review (21)
Atlantic Slave Trade: The Atlantic Slave Trade was a transatlantic system that involved the forced transportation of enslaved Africans to the Americas, primarily between the 16th and 19th centuries. It played a crucial role in the development of the Americas' economies, particularly through the labor-intensive agricultural sectors like sugar, tobacco, and cotton production, and is a significant backdrop in literary works such as Aphra Behn's Oroonoko.
Characterization: Characterization is the process by which authors create and develop characters in a story, revealing their personalities, motivations, and complexities. It involves various techniques such as direct description, dialogue, actions, and interactions with other characters, providing readers with a deeper understanding of who the characters are and how they contribute to the narrative.
Colonialism: Colonialism is a practice where a country establishes control over a foreign territory, often exploiting its resources and people for economic gain. It involves the domination of one culture over another, leading to significant cultural, social, and political changes in the colonized regions. This term connects to themes of power, identity, and resistance in literature, particularly as seen in works that critique or reflect on the colonial experience.
Comparison to Aphra Behn's Contemporaries: This term refers to the examination of Aphra Behn's work, particularly 'Oroonoko', alongside the literary contributions and thematic concerns of other writers from the same era. By placing Behn in context with her contemporaries, we can understand how her unique perspectives on race, gender, and colonialism diverged from or aligned with the dominant literary trends of the late 17th century.
Early modern literature: Early modern literature refers to the body of written works produced between the late 15th century and the early 18th century, a period marked by significant cultural and intellectual change in Europe. This era saw the rise of the printing press, which allowed for greater distribution of literature, and the emergence of various literary forms, including drama, poetry, and prose narratives. Works from this period often reflect themes of humanism, exploration, and individualism, setting the stage for modern literary movements.
Feminist Criticism: Feminist criticism is a literary analysis approach that examines texts through the lens of gender dynamics, focusing on the ways in which literature reinforces or challenges the oppression of women. This method not only highlights the representation of female characters and their roles but also critiques the power structures and societal norms that shape these portrayals, revealing underlying patriarchal ideologies.
Foreshadowing: Foreshadowing is a literary device used to give an indication or hint of what is to come later in the story. This technique builds anticipation in the reader, allowing for deeper engagement with the plot as subtle clues are embedded within the narrative. It often creates suspense and prepares the audience for significant events or themes that will unfold.
I am a slave: 'I am a slave' reflects the profound struggle and loss of autonomy experienced by individuals in the context of enslavement, particularly highlighted in Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko.' This phrase encapsulates the dehumanization and objectification faced by enslaved people, contrasting sharply with notions of freedom and dignity. In 'Oroonoko,' this term resonates deeply as it underscores the protagonist's tragic journey from royalty to bondage, emphasizing themes of powerlessness and the brutality of the slave trade.
Imagery: Imagery refers to the use of vivid and descriptive language that appeals to the senses, helping to create mental images and evoke emotional responses in readers. This literary device enriches the text by providing a deeper sensory experience, making abstract concepts more tangible and relatable.
Imoinda: Imoinda is a central character in Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko', representing the ideal of beauty and virtue. She is Oroonoko's beloved and serves as a symbol of the complexities of love, race, and colonialism, illustrating the struggles faced by enslaved individuals and the impact of European imperialism on their lives.
Narrative voice: Narrative voice refers to the unique perspective and style through which a story is told, encompassing the tone, point of view, and personality of the narrator. This element plays a crucial role in shaping how readers perceive characters and events, influencing emotional engagement and thematic interpretation. The choice of narrative voice can also affect the credibility and relatability of the story being told.
Oroonoko: Oroonoko is a novella written by Aphra Behn, published in 1688, that tells the story of an African prince who is enslaved and brought to the English colonies. The work is notable for its exploration of themes like colonialism, race, and the complexities of human freedom and dignity, making it one of the earliest English novels to address these issues.
Point of View: Point of view refers to the perspective from which a story is narrated, influencing how readers perceive characters, events, and themes. It determines the level of insight into characters' thoughts and feelings and shapes the reader's connection to the narrative. Different points of view, such as first-person or third-person, create varied emotional impacts and can manipulate reader bias regarding characters and situations.
Postcolonial theory: Postcolonial theory is an academic framework that examines the effects and aftermath of colonialism on cultures, societies, and identities. It focuses on how colonized nations and their people navigate the legacies of colonial power, often highlighting issues of race, identity, and representation in literature and other forms of art. This theory critiques the dominant narratives produced during colonial times and seeks to amplify the voices of those who were marginalized.
Relationship to Later Slave Narratives: The relationship to later slave narratives refers to the ways in which earlier literary works, particularly those like Aphra Behn's 'Oroonoko', influence and set the stage for the themes, structures, and perspectives found in subsequent slave narratives. This connection highlights the evolution of the representation of slavery, the complexity of identity, and the nuances of the enslaved experience in literature that followed.
Restoration England: Restoration England refers to the period in English history from 1660 to 1688, marked by the return of Charles II to the throne after the English Civil War and the Interregnum. This era was characterized by a revival of monarchy, culture, and arts, alongside the emergence of significant political and social changes, including increased religious toleration and the growth of individual rights. Restoration England set the stage for both literary innovations and a re-examination of authority and governance in England.
Restoration Literature: Restoration Literature refers to the body of English literary work produced during the Restoration period (1660-1688), marked by the return of Charles II to the throne. This era saw a resurgence of drama, poetry, and prose, heavily influenced by the previous interregnum's censorship and the cultural shifts towards individualism and secularism. It is characterized by a blend of classical forms, satirical wit, and explorations of human behavior and societal norms.
Slavery: Slavery is a system in which individuals are owned by others and deprived of personal freedom and rights, often forced to work without compensation. This concept is deeply woven into the fabric of historical societies and is crucial for understanding the socio-economic dynamics of colonialism and exploitation, especially in literature that addresses themes of oppression and human rights.
Symbolism: Symbolism is the use of symbols to represent ideas, emotions, or concepts in literature. This technique allows authors to convey deeper meanings and evoke emotional responses from readers, connecting the literal and abstract realms within their works. Symbolism can enhance themes, enrich character development, and create layers of meaning that invite interpretation.
The narrator: The narrator is the voice or character that tells the story in a literary work, guiding the reader through the events and providing insights into characters' thoughts and feelings. In 'Oroonoko,' the narrator plays a crucial role in shaping the reader's understanding of the story, creating a connection between the protagonist and the audience while also reflecting on issues of race, colonialism, and morality.
The noble oroonoko: The noble Oroonoko refers to the titular character in Aphra Behn's novella 'Oroonoko', who is portrayed as a heroic and noble African prince. He embodies the virtues of honor, bravery, and nobility, challenging the contemporary perceptions of race and slavery in the 17th century. His tragic story highlights themes of love, betrayal, and the brutal realities of colonialism.