Comment on the custom of the Royal Veil in “Oroonoko”.
Oroonoko is a notable literary work by Aphra Behn. A complete discussion of this literary work is given, which will help you enhance your literary skills and prepare for the exam. Read the Main texts, Key info, Summary, Themes, Characters, Literary devices, Quotations, Notes, and various study materials of Oroonoko.
Answer
Comment on the custom of the Royal Veil in “Oroonoko”.
In Aphra Behn’s (1640-1689) “Oroonoko” (1688), the “Royal Veil” is a cruel custom in the African kingdom of Coramantien. The Royal Veil is a special cloth sent by the King of Coramantien to the beautiful women he desires. For women, it is a symbol of the king’s sexual invitation and their helpless, forced submission.
The Custom of Royal Veil: When the Coramantien king wants a woman, he sends her the Royal Veil. The woman must accept and go to the king’s Otan (king’s pleasure house). According to the custom, rejecting the Royal Veil is—
“A most impious disobedience.”
If she refuses, she can be punished with death. Once accepted, she belongs only to the king. No other man can look at her or touch her. If someone breaks this rule, they are punished with death.
Imoinda, a beautiful woman, is forced into this custom. Imoinda and Oroonoko love each other. Even though the king (Oroonoko’s grandfather) knows this, he desires Imoinda. He sends her the Royal Veil. Imoinda has no choice but to accept. She goes to the king’s palace. She tells the king that she has already promised/engaged to another man. The king vows to kill that man.
When the king finds out that Oroonoko and Imoinda have secretly met, he becomes angry. He sells Imoinda into slavery. He also lies to Oroonko that Imoinda is dead.
Comment on the Custom: The Royal Veil shows how traditions can be unfair. Women like Imoinda have no choice—their lives are controlled by men. The king uses the veil to satisfy his desires. He does not care about others’ feelings. Though the story criticizes European colonists, it also shows flaws in African royal customs. The veil represents power abuse and the lack of freedom for women.
In short, the Royal Veil is a cruel tradition. The king abuses his power with this, just like the Europeans abuse power over slaves.