What literary devices does Aphra Behn use in Oroonoko?

The political context in which Oroonoko was written shapes its metaphors. In particular, Aphra Behn uses masking the dilute her association as the narrator of the work. The use of this literary device places the onus of perception on the audience.

What type of writing is Oroonoko?

Oroonoko

First edition cover
Author Aphra Behn
Country England
Language Early Modern English
Genre Prose fiction

What is the last word in Oroonoko?

Imoinda is the world, Behn seems to say, the world at its best, harmonious and fertile and diverse. So it is no wonder that “Imoinda” is the last word of Oroonoko. It’s an unusual name that Behn probably made up. But we cannot help but notice the first letter—“I”—that links her to the “I” of the female narrator.

Is Oroonoko male or female?

Even though Oroonoko is a man, he too is decorated with a small female carving.

What are the major theme of Oroonoko?

The themes of Oroonoko are: slavery, racism, love, and honor. These themes are enforced by the use of the female narrative and participant narrator.

Is Oroonoko a satire?

Yes, the novella is a satire of moral and philosophical corruption of the Stuart opponents.

What is the main theme of Oroonoko?

The main themes in Oroonoko are slavery, race, and primitivism. Slavery and race: In Africa, Oroonoko is a prince and a general, a well-respected young man with a bright future ahead of him. In Surinam, Oroonoko is nothing more than an impudent slave who leads an unsuccessful rebellion.

Why is Oroonoko an important text?

Oroonoko is an important early example of the novel genre. Not only does it employ a first person narrative from a female perspective, but it also tackles some of the most controversial of the emerging political, social and economic issues of the late 17th century.

Who kills Oroonoko?

One can argue that by killing Imoinda, Oroonoko kills himself, meaning that Oroonoko has already received his honorable death; but, Behn gives him enough strength to survive a self-inflicted stab to the groin, intestines spilling out, as he fends off his pursuers, murdering one of them with a single strike to the heart …

What is the significance of Oroonoko’s death?

Oroonoko’s death is nothing glorious or venerable; it is a meaningless, morally unjust end to a character oppressed by European masters who elevated him to near egalitarian terms as themselves only to dispose of him when his utilitarian purpose exhausted itself.

What are the major themes of Oroonoko?

Is Oroonoko an anti slavery novel?

In the year 1688, women author Aphra Behn wrote the abolitionist book, Oroonoko, making her the first writer to produce a fictitious anti slavery novel.

Is Oroonoko a true story?

Other colonists such as Trefry, Marten and Bannister were also based on real people. There is, however, no historical parallel for Oroonoko or Imoinda.

Truth and fiction in Oroonoko.

Full title: Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave. A true history.
Format: Book, Octavo
Creator: Aphra Behn
Usage terms Public Domain

What is the irony in Oroonoko?

Narrated by the first and second hand witness of the story, Aphra Behn’s “Oroonoko” is told by the perspective of a wealthy English woman. Having this narrator interpret and support the rebellion of black slaves was what I thought unusual and unexpected.

Who betrays Oroonoko?

Besides experiencing the betrayal of a blood relation, Oroonoko is also betrayed by so-called friends, particularly by the Captain, who figures strongly in the middle section of the narrative, and by Byam, whose betrayal closes Oroonoko.

How is slavery represented in Oroonoko?

Contrary to how things may seem, Oroonoko does believe in slavery. He feels that slaves are necessary for some people in order to help them with chores and work during their life. Nevertheless, he believes that there is only one situation when slaves should be obtained, and that situation is to win slaves through war.

Why is Oroonoko a tragic hero?

Oroonoko is a tragic hero. He has all the attributes we most prize: bravery, intelligence, honour, nobility of action, but one fatal flaw: his inability to see that other people who display the same qualities might be dissimulating.

What is Oroonoko’s flaw?