AN ANALYSIS: OROONOKO, THE ROYAL SLAVE

Abstract

Oroonoko is a very important text that challenges the institution of slavery, while simultaneously explores the depths of racism. As an early text in 1688, the novella highlights the struggles of colonialism that led up to an ultimate act of rebellion. Although Aphra Behn does not take a clear stance concerning slavery, she romanticizes the idea of it. Doing so, causes confusion among readers. In this paper I argue that while Aphra Behn does not take a bold stance against slavery, she is infatuated with Oroonoko. Her love for him can be seen through his wife, Imoinda. I further argue that Behn’s love for Oroonoko dies with his wife. There is great symbolism and parallelism between Behn’s feelings about Oroonoko and how she treats his character through her descriptive writing.