What Are the Major Themes of “Oroonoko?”

Answer

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

Or What are the major themes of “Oroonoko?” Give an account of them. 

Oroonoko (1688) is one of the iconic novels of  Aphra Behn (1640–1689). In the novel, Aphra Behn mentions several major themes. Set in the context of colonialism, slavery, and the exploitation of power, the novel delves into complex issues of race, class, gender, honor, and betrayal. Here, we aim to discuss the major themes of the novel.

Colonialism and Exploitation: One of the central themes of Oroonoko is the critique of European colonialism and the exploitative nature of imperial powers. In this sense, we can categorize Oroonoko as an anti-colonial play. The novel portrays the English colonizers in Surinam as ruthless and oppressive. They used their authority to exploit the native population and African slaves for economic gain. The novel’s central character, Oroonoko, loses his family and eventually his own life because of the exploitative nature of colonialism. So, the narrator says about Oroonoko:

The royal youth appeared in spite of the slave.

Slavery: Another significant theme is the exploration of slavery and its dehumanizing effects. Behn exposes the brutal reality of slavery. She depicts the sufferings and injustices endured by African slaves. Moreover, Behn explores the nature of the slave-trading system of that time, as the Coramantien King sells the prisoners of war to Western ships as slaves. The narrator questions the ethics and actions of the slave traders:

Some have commended this act, as brave in the captain; but I will spare my sense of it, and leave it to my reader to judge as he pleases.

Love and Sacrifice: Love and sacrifice are significant themes in the novel. Oroonoko and Imoinda’s love is portrayed as pure and powerful, with both characters willing to sacrifice for each other. To take revenge on the oppressive Colonizers, Oroonoko tells Imoinda to sacrifice her life because, after Oroonoko’s death, Imoinda’s suffering would