How did Imoinda die?
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, to various questions of Oroonoko.
Answer
How did Imoinda die?
In the novel “Oroonoko” (1688) by Aphra Behn (1640- 1689), Imoinda’s death is described tragically. Imoinda, a young African woman, is the story’s central character. She deeply loves the protagonist, Oroonoko.
Tragic fate brought both Oroonoko and his loving wife Imoinda to the Suriname plantation as slaves. There, they started living together as slaves. To save Imoinda from inhumane torture and exploitation by the Colonial authority, the couple decided Oroonoko would kill her. So, Imoinda died by Oroonoko’ hand. Here we take a closer look at Imoinda’s tragic death.
Torture by Byam: Imoinda’s fate takes a tragic turn when the lecherous old Coramantied King sells her as a slave, which brings her to the Suriname plantation, a British colonial territory. The cruel deputy Governor Byam becomes infatuated with her beauty. Despite Oroonoko and Imoinda’s deep love and their secret marriage, Byam schemes to have Imoinda for himself. Oroonoko says about white men:
But Caesar told him there was no faith in the white men,
Oroonoko’s Revolt: Oroonoko tries to save his family and other slaves. So, he organizes a revolt against the oppressive authority. Oroonoko says to his fellow slaves:
Come, my fellow-slaves, let us descend, and see if we can meet with more honor and honesty in the next world we shall touch upon.
However, he is captured and brutally punished. Oroonoko vows to take revenge against Byam. As a matter of fact, Oroonko knew that Imoinda would be vulnerable and would be a subject of inhumane torture after Oroonoko’s death. So, the couple decides Oroonoko should kill Imoinda.
In conclusion, Imoinda’s death serves as a tragic symbol of the brutal realities of slavery and the destructive power of the colonizers. It also adds to the emotional impact of the novel, highlighting the tragic consequences of love and resistance in the face of oppression.