How Does Behn Describe the Native People of Suriname?
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 does Behn describe the native people of Suriname?
In Aphra Behn’s (1640-1689) novel “Oroonoko” (1688), the author vividly depicts the native people of Suriname. Behn attempts to portray their way of life, culture, and characteristics through her descriptions. Her portrayal is a mix of admiration and exoticism. It reflects the 17th-century European perspective on indigenous peoples.
Admiration and Noble Savage: Behn describes the native people of Suriname with a sense of admiration. She often emphasizes their physical beauty and noble qualities. She portrays them as tall, well-built, and graceful, with smooth, copper-colored skin. Behn admires their simple and honest way of life. They are free from the corruption and deceit she associates with European colonizers. She characterizes them as noble savages. They live in harmony with nature and possess an innate sense of justice and virtue. This idealized view reflects a romanticized notion of indigenous peoples that is common in European literature of the time. So, the Narrator says about the native people:
With these people, as I said, we live in perfect tranquillity and good understanding, as it behoves us to do; they knowing all the places where to seek the best food of the country,
Cultural Practices and Daily Life: Behn also details the cultural practices and daily life of the Surinamese natives. She describes their clothing, which is minimal and made from natural materials, and their homes, which are simple yet functional. The natives are depicted as skilled hunters and fishers, adept at living off the land. So, the narrator says:
trading with them for their fish, venison, buffalo’s skins, and little rarities;
Behn notes their communal lifestyle, where resources are shared and little concept of personal ownership exists. The leaders are chosen for their wisdom and bravery rather than inherited status. Behn’s descriptions suggest a society that values cooperation, respect for nature, and practical skills.
To wrap up, we can say that Aphra Behn’s description of the native people of Suriname in “Oroonoko” is a blend of admiration and idealization. She portrays them as noble, honest, and harmonious.