‘Oroonoko: or, the Royal Slave’ is a novella by Aphra Behn, first published in 1688, and is one of the earliest English novels. It tells the tragic story of Oroonoko, an African prince and warrior, who is betrayed into slavery and taken to the British colony of Surinam in South America.
The narrative is notable for its advanced themes for the time, including the condemnation of slavery, the exploration of race, and the portrayal of strong, complex characters. Oroonoko himself is presented as a noble, brave, and educated figure, challenging contemporary European prejudices about Africans. The story is narrated by a female character, often thought to be a reflection of Behn herself, adding an element of autobiographical authenticity to the tale.
Behn’s work was groundbreaking in its sympathetic and human portrayal of an African slave, and it contributed to early debates about slavery and racism. ‘Oroonoko’ is also significant for its exploration of gender and power dynamics, making it a foundational text in both postcolonial and feminist literary studies.
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