Oroonoko

Novel | Aphra Behn
Back to Hub
Contents

How Was Oroonoko Turned into a Slave from a Prince?

Premium

How was Oroonoko turned into a slave from a prince?

"Oroonoko" (1688), a novel by Aphra Behn (1640-1689), tells the tragic story of an African prince named Oroonoko. Born into royalty, he lives a life of honor and privilege. However, his fate takes a cruel turn. It leads him from the heights of princely power to the depths of slavery. This transition is marked by betrayal and deceit. Here we take a closer look at how Oroonoko was turned into a slave.

Betrayal and Capture: Oroonoko's journey from prince to slave begins with betrayal. After proving himself a courageous and honorable leader in battle, he meets an English sea captain who pretends to be his friend. The captain invites Oroonoko and some of his men on board his ship under the pretense of trading goods. Trusting the captain, Oroonoko accepts the invitation. Once on board, the captain reveals his true intentions. He traps Oroonoko and his men, chains them, and prepares them for

transport across the Atlantic to be sold as slaves. Oroonoko's royal status and bravery mean nothing in the face of the captain's greed. The narrator says,

The royal youth appeared in spite of the slave.

Life as a Slave: Upon arrival in Suriname, Oroonoko is sold to a plantation owner. Despite his noble birth, he is forced to endure the harsh conditions and brutal treatment typical of slaves. Oroonoko's spirit, however, remains unbroken. He maintains his dignity and leadership, quickly gaining the respect of his fellow slaves. Oroonoko's sense of honor and justice remains intact even in these dire circumstances. His tragic fall from a revered prince to an enslaved man highlights the inhumane nature of the slave trade. At the end of the novel, They kill Oroonoko brutally.

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

To wrap up, we can say that Oroonoko's transformation from a prince to a slave is a story of betrayal and loss. His experience underscores the devastating impact of the slave trade on individuals and their identities.

 

Continue Reading

Subscribe to access the full content

Upgrade to Premium
From this writer
A
Aphra Behn
Literary Writer
More Notes

from Oroonoko