educated and intelligent. He can speak several languages and understands European culture. Even after he is betrayed into slavery, Oroonoko does not lose his dignity. That is why Behn says:

“The royal youth appeared in spite of the slave.”

Oroonoko speaks politely, keeps promises, and respects honour. These qualities make him a true hero.

A Man of Honour and Truth: Oroonoko strongly believes in honesty and truth. He never breaks his word. When he gives a promise, he keeps it even if it causes him pain. This quality becomes the cause of his tragedy. He trusts the English ship captain who invites him for dinner. He believes the captain’s words and does not expect betrayal. But the captain captures him and sells him into slavery. Oroonoko later understands the true nature of the European colonists, that:

“Never to credit one word they spoke.”

This line shows that Oroonoko learns the painful truth too late. His honesty and trust make him a victim of deceit.

A Loving Husband: Oroonoko’s love for Imoinda is pure and deep. Even when she is taken away from him, he never forgets her. He believes she is dead and mourns for her deeply. When they meet again in Suriname, he feels complete joy. Their love gives him strength in slavery. But this love also causes more tragedy. When he sees no escape from slavery, he kills Imoinda to save her honour and their unborn child. This act is painful but heroic. It shows his deep love and sense of duty.

A Rebel Against Slavery: Oroonoko cannot accept slavery quietly. The colonists force him to work in harsh conditions on sugar plantations. They beat enslaved people for small mistakes. They separate families, parents from children, husbands from wives. Enslaved people have no freedom and no rights. Oroonoko questions why free and noble people should be slaves. He inspires other slaves to rebel. He asks:

“Why ... should we be slaves to an unknown people?”

This rebellion shows his courage and leadership. However, the rebellion fails because the colonists deceive him again. They promise freedom but betray him. His rebellion leads directly to his tragic death.

Oroonoko’s Tragic End: Oroonoko’s death is extremely cruel and painful. The colonists torture him slowly and brutally. They cut off his body parts one by one. The narrator describes:

“With an ill-favour’d Knife, they cut off his Ears and his Nose, and burn’d them;”

Even in this terrible moment, Oroonoko remains calm and brave. He does not cry or beg. He smokes a pipe while his body is destroyed. His dignity in death proves his heroic nature. His suffering and death create pity and fear in the reader, which is a key feature of tragedy.

In conclusion, Oroonoko is a true tragic hero. He is brave, honest, loving, and honourable. His greatest qualities, such as truth, trust, and pride, lead to his downfall. Through Oroonoko’s tragic life and death, Aphra Behn strongly criticizes slavery and European hypocrisy. Oroonoko remains heroic even in death.