Oroonoko Questions and Answers
Oroonoko
The representation of slavery in Oroonoko and Behn's stance on it
In Oroonoko, Aphra Behn's stance on slavery is complex and somewhat contradictory. While she portrays Oroonoko as a noble hero, she still refers to him as a "savage" and seems to accept slavery as...
Oroonoko
The portrayal of Eurocentrism and post-colonialism in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave
Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave by Aphra Behn addresses Eurocentrism and post-colonialism by highlighting the injustices and exploitation inflicted upon non-European characters. The narrative critiques...
Oroonoko
Literary devices and cultural ideas in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko
Aphra Behn's Oroonoko employs literary devices such as symbolism, irony, and foreshadowing to critique slavery and colonialism. Cultural ideas explored include the clash between European and African...
Oroonoko
What makes Oroonoko a heroic character in Aphra Behn's Oroonoko, and how do these traits benefit him?
In Aphra Behn’s book, the title character Prince Oroonoko is shown as heroic through his bravery and leadership in combat while still in Africa, remaining true to his wife, and leading a slave revolt...
Oroonoko
What are the conflicts in Oroonoko: social, psychological, and spiritual?
In "Oroonoko," social conflict arises from the clash between African and European cultures, exemplified by Oroonoko's betrayal and enslavement by an English captain. The psychological conflict is...
Oroonoko
In Oroonoko, how do Imoinda's relationships with Oroonoko, the grandfather, and Trefry reflect the gender hierarchies...
In Oroonoko, Imoinda's romantic relationship with Oroonoko stands in direct opposition to the tyrannical relationships imposed upon her by the king and Trefry, who forge these relationships through...
Oroonoko
Can you analyse the language used in Oroonoko?
Behn's voice is very different than the voice of any contemporary writer. Her vocabulary, syntax, and even her tone is unusual in a modern context. The main character, Oroonoko, speaks with the same...
Oroonoko
How do Aphra Behn's attitudes towards race in Oroonoko change from beginning to end?
Aphra Behn's attitude towards race in the beginning of "Oroonoko"
Oroonoko
Did Oroonoko hunt in the novel?
Yes, Oroonoko hunts. While still in Africa, he is described as being away from court hunting. He also goes hunting with the slave-ship captain who later tricks him. In South America, one way he...
Oroonoko
What is the significance of European colonisation on Oroonoko and its influence on the author's description of the...
European colonization significantly influences Aphra Behn's portrayal of natives in "Oroonoko." Although Behn challenges colonial stereotypes by depicting natives as pure and uncorrupted, her...
Oroonoko
Which elements in Oroonoko are life-like and which are far-fetched?
The life-like elements in "Oroonoko" include the depiction of European colonialism and the West African slave trade, reflecting historical realities such as African leaders selling prisoners of war...
Oroonoko
Is there a common theme in Oroonoko and Voltaire's Candide?
There’s probably more than one theme uniting Voltaire’s Candide and Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko. You could say love is a theme. Oroonoko loves Imoinda, and Candide loves Cunegonde. You could also say white...