Oroonoko - Aphra Behn

Oroonoko, also known as "The Royal Slave" is the name of the main character in the story. The African Prince Oroonoko falls in love with falls in love with the daughter of the king's top general daughter, Imoinda.

Oroonoko was described as "an extreme good and graceful mien, and all the civility of a well-bred great man. He had nothing of barbarity in his nature, but in all points addressed himself as if his education had been in some European court."

Oroonoko and Imoinda fall in love immediately, but unfortunately, the king has also fallen in love with Imoinda. The king sends Imoinda his sarcred veil which makes her have to become one of his wives. The king shortly after finds that Oroonoko and Imoinda are together and immediately sends Imoinda to be a slave, but tells Oroonoko that she is dead. Oroonoko is eventually captured by an English captain.

"The captain, who had well laid his design before, gave the word, and seized on all his guests; they clapping great irons suddenly on the prince, when he was leaped down into the hold to view that part of the vessel; and locking him fast down, secured him."

"There needed no long gazing, or consideration, to examine who this fair creature was; he soon saw Imoinda all over her; in a minute he saw her face, her shape, her air, her modesty, and all that called forth his soul with joy at his eyes, and left his body destitute of almost life..."

What are the chances? Oroonko and Imoinda are reunited and they're both so shocked. Imoinda even faints for her astonishment. She comes out of her faintness and they embrace each other with love, so amazed that they are actually reunited. They live together happily until Imoinda becomes preganant. Oroonoko refuses to have a child born into slavery so when he cannot get them released he feels he must kill Imoinda.

"As soon as he had done, he laid the body decently on leaves and flowers, of which he made a bed, and concealed it under the same cover-lid of Nature; only her face he left yet bare to look on: but when he found she was dead, and past all retrieve, never more to bless him with her eyes and soft language, his grief swelled up to rage; he tore, he raved, he roared like some monster of the wood, calling on the loved name of Imoinda."

Oroonoko is killed by people who cutting his limbs and throwing him into a fire. After his death, they sent parts of his body to some of the chief plantations.

This short stroy was quite interesting and definitely different from what we have read in class so far. I like that Aphra Behn is a woman who is writing about vulgar information. The death of everyone is detailed and very explanatory. It shows the bravery and courageousness of Aphra Behn.