Oroonoko : Themes
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, and various study materials of Oroonoko.
Themes
Love and Devotion: Love is the heart of Oroonoko’s story. Oroonoko and Imoinda love each other deeply. Their love survives many hardships and dangers. They stay loyal to each other until death. Their devotion shows how true love can last, even against fate.
Honor and Nobility: Honor is a main value for Oroonoko. He acts with dignity even as a slave. He keeps his promises and values truth. He cannot accept shame or dishonor. His royal background guides his choices until the end.
Slavery and Injustice: The story shows the cruelty of slavery. Innocent people are made slaves by force. They lose their freedom, family, and names. Oroonoko is betrayed and turned into a slave. The inhuman treatment of slaves is shown in detail.
Betrayal and Broken Trust: Betrayal is a turning point in the story. The king betrays Oroonoko by taking Imoinda. The British captain betrays Oroonoko by enslaving him. Promises of freedom are often broken. Betrayal ruins trust and leads to pain.
Power and Corruption: The story questions those in power. The king uses his power unjustly. European traders abuse their power for profit. Those with power often harm the weak. The dangers of unchecked authority are revealed.
The Role of Custom and Fate: Custom shapes the characters’ lives in the story. The Royal Veil decides Imoinda’s fate. Traditional duties limit Oroonoko’s choices. Old customs sometimes bring tragedy. Fate and society’s rules are hard to resist.
Loss of Identity: Oroonoko’s identity changes through the story. He goes from prince to slave. His new name ‘Caesar’ takes away his true self. This theme shows how loss of identity hurts deeply.
Colonialism and Cultural Clash: Behn critiques the effects of colonialism. The English bring violence and slavery to Suriname. The native people are simple and peaceful at first. Colonial rule brings harm to both natives and Africans.
Innocence and Experience: Suriname’s natives live in innocence before the Europeans. Their honesty is contrasted with colonial greed. As the story goes on, innocence is lost. Pain and wisdom replace it.
Resistance and Freedom: Oroonoko organizes a slave revolt. He wants freedom for himself and others. The theme shows the human desire to resist oppression. Even when hope is small, the will for freedom remains.