Sketch the Character of Oroonoko

Answer

Sketch the character of Oroonoko. 

Or, Attempt a character study of ‘Oroonoko.’ 

Or, Give an account of the traits of the character of the Prince of Africa. 

Oroonoko is the central character in the novel “Oroonoko” (1688) by Aphra Behn (1640-1689). The novel explores the harsh realities of colonialism, slavery, and the abuse of power. Oroonoko is a young prince and a central figure in the narrative. We can point out some key character traits of our hero, Oroonoko.

Model of an Epic Hero: Oroonoko was born noble and had royal titles. Oroonoko’s courage, battle skills, and strong moral code resemble those of a hero in epic literary traditions. He is a brave and a great leader. He’s an African general beloved by his people. However, he is betrayed and sold into slavery. He maintains his honour as a slave in Surinam and organizes a slave revolt to save his fellow slaves. By presenting a slave as her hero, Behn agrees those without “titles” of social status have more opportunities to prove their courage. Oroonoko says,

It is not titles that make men brave or good or birth that bestows courage.

Impressive Hero with a Tragic Flaw: Oroonoko is an African general beloved by his people. He also retains his dignity in slavery. White settlers are impressed by Oroonoko’s Western education, innate intelligence, and diplomacy, but Oroonoko’s flaw is easily traceable. Oroonoko says,

The man of no honor suffers… the scorn and contempt of the honester world.

Oroonoko’s flaw is trusting the people around him and believing everyone is as honest as he is. This quote sums up his worldview. He believes anyone who breaks an oath suffers ‘‘scorn and contempt.” However, on the Suriname plantation, those who break oaths remain in positions of power.

Inborn Leadership Quality: Oroonoko speaks of honesty in slavery. He believes that simply buying and selling people is morally and politically unjust. Oroonoko says this to his fellow slaves:

We are bought and sold … to be the sport of women, fools, and cowards.

This speech shows his true opinion of the colonizers. Keeping slaves is “sport,” or a low-stakes game, for the English in Suriname. Women are entertained and impressed by the educated Oroonoko—he kills animals they won’t touch. Oroonoko plans a slave revolt to save his fellow slaves.

The Symbolic Meaning of his Slave Name: Caesar is the slave name of Oroonoko. This slave name is given to Oroonoko by Trefry when he arrives in Surinam. The name is an allusion to Julius Caesar, the Roman emperor assassinated by his friends. Thus, this name symbolizes that Oroonoko will be betrayed by the colonizers who promised him freedom.

Undefeated Tragic Hero: The climax of Oroonoko’s story is tragic. He takes Imoinda into the woods and explains his plan to kill her, then his enemies, and then himself. Imoinda agrees and begs to die an honourable death at his husband’s hands. Grieving, he professes his love one last time and then kills her and her unborn child.

However, Oroonoko’s plan fails as he is arrested. Before death, Oroonoko smokes his pipe. The executioner cuts off parts of his body one by one, starting with his fingers and then cutting off his ears, nose, and arms. His death is a poignant commentary on the inhumanity of slavery and the irrepressible human desire for freedom. Oroonoko’s final act is one of honour, defiance, and self-determination.

In conclusion, we can say Oroonoko’s courage, battle skills, and strong moral code resemble those of a hero in epic literary traditions. His education, wit, and love for his wife resemble the traits of a medieval literary hero.