Racism and Slavery in Oronooko - 1158 Words

Even works of literature that intend to have a good message can be interpreted and read the wrong way. The novella, Oroonoko written by Aphra Behn, is a great example of this. Oroonoko is the story of the Royal Slave. It is written in the perspective of a white colonial woman in the eighteenth century. I found the novella to have a lot of subtle racial undertones despite the fact that during that time it was seen as an anti-slavery novel.(1) There have been debates on whether this novella is pro-slavery or anti-slavery? While reading, I decided that it was neither, but more so a novella from a revolutionist point of view. One of the first things that sticks out is the way in which she described Oroonoko physically. Behn stated that his†¦show more content†¦He states â€Å"Have they vanquished us nobly in fight? Have they won us in honorable battle? And are we by the chance of war become their slaves? This would not anger a noble heart; this would not animate a soldierâ⠂¬â„¢s soul.†(6) So essentially he believes that slaves are good and they help with work â€Å"around the house†, but the only way to get slaves is through war. One could argue that he was against slavery because later after he is captured upon a ship, he makes this long speech about freedom and wanting all the other slaves to be free. Oroonoko only makes this speech after he finds out that Imoinda is expecting a child and his appeal for freedom is denied. I am inferring that Oroonoko may not actually give two shits about the slaves, but is more so concerned for the safety of his family and he simply uses the slaves to get his family to â€Å"safety†. The Author seems to have found herself in Oroonoko. She most likely, inherently believed that slaves were only rightfully owned if they are received through a war victory. I also got the vibe that Behn has romanticized slavery. Instead of showing slavery for the cruelty it truly contains, she plays it up in this sort of ecstatic affair between a prince, prince’s grandfather and a beautiful woman. One instance of romanticized slavery is when Caesar and Clemene first realize who they are, and they have a sort of reunion party at the House of Slaves. Behn writes that there is loud â€Å"barbaric† music and a delicious