Oroonoko
Novel
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Aphra Behn
Oroonoko Main Text
Oroonoko; or, The Royal Slave
by Aphra Behn
I do not pretend, in giving you the history of this Royal Slave, to entertain my reader with adventures of a feigned hero, whose life and fortunes fancy may manage at the poet's pleasure; nor in relating the truth, design to adorn it with any accidents but such as arrived in earnest to him: and it shall come simply into the world, recommended by its own...
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Key Facts
Full Title: Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave
Author: Aphra Behn (c.1640–1689)
Titles of the Author: Playwright, Novelist, Poet, Pioneer Female Writer
Source: Mixture of real events and imagination, possibly based on Behn’s own experiences in Suriname
Written Time: Early 1680s
First Published: 1688
Published Dates: 5th November 1688 (first edition)
Total Parts: Single novella (short novel) ...
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Oroonoko Summary
Summary of Oroonoko
Introduction and Setting: The story begins with the narrator explaining her purpose. She says she will tell the true story of a royal African slave. She lived in Surinam, a colony in South America, and saw many events herself. The colony is ruled by the English. Here, the English colonists live peacefully with the native people. The native people are friendly and honest. The...
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Oroonoko Themes
Love and Devotion: Love is the heart of Oroonoko’s story. Oroonoko and Imoinda love each other deeply. Their love survives many hardships and dangers. They stay loyal to each other until death. Their devotion shows how true love can last, even against fate.
Honor and Nobility: Honor is a main value for Oroonoko. He acts with dignity even as a slave. He keeps his promises and values truth. He canno...
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Oroonoko Characters
Oroonoko: Oroonoko is the main character and hero of the story. He is a young African prince, brave and handsome. Oroonoko is very skilled in fighting and loved by his people. He is honest and always keeps his promises. He loves Imoinda, a beautiful woman in his kingdom. Oroonoko is captured by slave traders and sent to Suriname as a slave. Even in slavery, he does not lose his honor. He fights fo...
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Oroonoko Literary Device
Figure of speech
Metaphor: Oroonoko is called “the Royal Slave.” This phrase compares his true noble identity to his condition as a slave. His name “Caesar” is also a metaphor. It connects him to the dignity and authority of a Roman emperor, despite his enslavement.
Simile : There are several similes. Imoinda is described as “the beautiful black Venus to our young Mars.” Here Imoinda’s beauty...
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Oroonoko Quotations
"He was adorned with a native beauty, so transcending all those of his gloomy race, that he struck an awe and reverence even into those that knew not his quality."
Exp: Behn describes Oroonoko’s extraordinary appearance, which impressed everyone regardless of his being African or royal.
"She was female to the noble male; the beautiful black Venus to our young Mars; as charming in her person as he,...
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Notes
Explore 16 detailed notes related to Oroonoko. Each note provides in-depth analysis, explanations, and critical insights.