Sketch the character of Imoinda

Answer

Sketch the character of Imoinda. 

Imoinda (later Clemene) is the most beautiful and brave woman in Aphra Behn’s (1640-1689) “Oroonoko” (1688). She is the daughter of a great general. She is very soft and kind. She falls in love with the prince, Oroonoko. Their love is pure and true. But many troubles come to her life. She is taken to the king’s harem and then sold as a slave. Still, she keeps her love, honour, and courage. Her character shows beauty, duty, and sacrifice.

Beauty and Grace: Imoinda is very beautiful. The narrator calls her the “black Venus.” Her such beauty is apparent in this quote:

“To describe her truly, one need say only, she was female to the noble male; the beautiful black Venus to our young Mars;”

Imoinda has soft manners and sweet words. Everyone in Coramantien praises her charm. Oroonoko sees her and falls in love at once. Imoinda is graceful in her actions and speech. Even the king wants her in his harem. Trefry also praises her beauty when she comes to Suriname. 

Pure Love: Imoinda’s love for Oroonoko is deep and true. She agrees to marry him and promises to stay faithful. About this, Oroonoko says,

“Imoinda is as irrecoverably lost to me as if she were snatched by the cold arms of death…”

Imoinda refuses to be with the king, though he has great power. When Oroonoko comes to the harem, she is very happy to see him. They spend a night together in love. Even when they are sent far away, she waits for him. When they meet again in Suriname, their love becomes strong again. She becomes pregnant and shares a happy time with Oroonoko.

Modest and Noble: Imoinda is not only loving but also modest. She always acts with honor and care. In Suriname, she is called Clemene. Though she is a slave, she behaves like a noble lady. She does not agree to love anyone else. Trefry tries to love