Give an account of the major themes of “Oronooko.” 

Answer

Give an account of the major themes of “Oronooko.” 

“Oroonoko” (1688) is a famous short novel by Aphra Behn (1640-1689). It tells the true story of a brave African prince who becomes a slave. Behn shows many dark sides of slavery and British colonial rule. She also writes about the lives of native people. In this story, we find three strong themes. They are the relationship between natives and Europeans, the evils of colonialism, and the pain of slavery. These themes make the story powerful and real.

Native and White: Behn says natives and whites live in peace. The native people help the whites in the forest. They are kind, simple, and honest. They live close to nature and have pure hearts. The whites, however, are often greedy and full of lies. They use sweet words but cheat others. The natives are better in morals. But the whites have more power. So they try to control the natives. Oroonoko and Imoinda are two special natives with royal and noble hearts. Through the quote below, the narrator compares the White cruelty to the Black innocence. 

“These people represented … the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin.”

Evil of Colonialism: This novel is against colonial rule. Behn shows how badly the British treat others. The settlers break promises again and again. Byam promises to send Oroonoko home. But he tells lies and does not keep his word. When the slaves run away, the settlers go to catch them. They hurt and killed the slaves. Banister’s cruelty is beyond our imagination. Here is the description of Banister.

“…Banister, a wild Irishman, and one of the council, a fellow of absolute barbarity, and fit to execute any villainy, but rich;…”

 Behn also leaves the land during the fight. These things show the British as fake friends and cruel rulers.

Fake Promises: Many settlers in the novel tell lies. They cheat Oroonoko again and again. The ship captain tricks him first. Then Byam