Elaborately Discuss the Theme of Anti-Colonialism in “Oroonoko.”
___ is a notable literary work by ___. 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 ___.
Answer
Elaborately discuss the theme of anti-colonialism as you find in “Oroonoko.”
“Oroonoko” (1688) is one of the iconic novels of Aphra Behn (1640-1689). In the novel, Behn expresses an anti-colonial theme. Anti-colonialism means the struggle against imperial rule in colonized countries. Though the novel is set in the 17th century, its exploration of anti-colonial themes resonates with contemporary discussions about colonialism and its lasting impacts.
Colonial Exploitation and Betrayal: The story is set in Suriname, a British colony, where the indigenous people and African slaves are subjected to the control of European colonists. Oroonoko, an African prince, becomes a victim of this colonial exploitation. Despite his royal lineage and noble qualities, he is deceived, captured, and sold into slavery by an English sea captain. This act of betrayal highlights the deceitful and morally corrupt nature of the colonial enterprise. The novel critiques colonial rules where promises and alliances are easily broken for profit and power.
Dehumanization and Racism: The colonists view themselves as superior to the indigenous people and African slaves. Behn illustrates how Oroonoko, despite his exceptional qualities, is still seen as inferior by the colonists due to his race. To the colonists, the slaves are not human beings. They consider slaves as their subjects. Oroonoko says,
We are bought and sold … to be the sport of women, fools, and cowards.
The novel also critiques this dehumanization as Oroonoko is given a slave name which is “Caesar”.
Resistance and Rebellion: Oroonoko’s resistance against his enslavement and the oppressive colonial system is a central aspect of the anti-colonial theme. When he realizes that the promises of freedom are hollow, he leads a slave rebellion. It showcases Oroonoko’s determination to fight for his and his fellow slaves’ liberation. Oroonoko questions:
Why … should we be slaves to an unknown people?
Critique of Colonial Justifications: The novel also critiques the justifications used by colonists to maintain their control over other peoples. The colonists’ treatment of Oroonoko and Imoinda reveals the hypocrisy and moral contradictions of their actions. While they recognize Oroonoko’s nobility and treat him with a certain degree of respect, they still refuse to grant him his freedom.
Tragic Punishment: Behn’s portrayal of Oroonoko’s suffering and the brutality he faces evokes empathy from the reader. The climax of Oroonoko’s story is tragic. He takes his wife Imoinda into the woods and sacrifices her so that the colonists cannot torture her brutally. Later, Oroonoko is captured. The executioner cuts off parts of his body one by one, starting with his fingers and then cutting off his ears, nose, and arms.
With an ill-favour’d Knife, they cut off his Ears and his Nose, and burn’d them;
Oroonoko’s death is a striking critique of colonialism and its destructive impact on the inhumanity of slavery in a colonial setting.
To wrap up, “Oroonoko” is a powerful critique of colonialism and its destructive impact on individuals and societies. Through the story of Oroonoko, Behn exposes the moral corruption, hypocrisy, and brutality inherent in the colonial system.