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 increase a lot. That is why Imoinda sacrifices her life.

Honor and Betrayal: Honor and Betrayal are recurring themes throughout the novel. Oroonoko, the African prince, is depicted as a figure of great honor and nobility. However, he is ultimately betrayed by an English sea Captain, who captures him as a slave.

Gender Roles: Oroonoko challenges traditional gender roles of the time. The character of Imoinda, Oroonoko’s wife, showcases female agency and resilience in the face of adversity. On the other hand, the lecherous old King keeps concubines. He wants to seduce Imoinda and sends her a “royal veil,” a tradition that Imoinda couldn’t ignore. It points to the oppressive male domination of that society.

Power and Abuse: Oroonoko examines the corrupting influence of power and the abuse that often accompanies it. The character of the King, who is Oroonoko’s grandfather, represents this abuse of power. The old King tries to seduce Imoinda, Oronooko’s beloved, and later sells her as a slave.

The character of Byam, the English deputy governor, represents this abuse of power. He uses his position to manipulate and oppress others. His abuse of power leads to Oroonko being murdered brutally. 

He told Byam he had rather die than live upon the same earth with such dogs.

Freedom and Identity: The quest for freedom and the search for identity are important themes in “Oroonoko.” The protagonist, Oroonoko, fights for his freedom and the freedom of his fellow slaves.

In conclusion, we can say that Oroonoko delves into these major themes to shed light on the harsh realities of colonialism, slavery, and the abuse of power. It serves as a critique of the time’s prevailing social and political structures.