Discuss the theme of anti-colonialism in Arpha Behn’s “Oroonoko”.

    Aphra Behn's “Oroonoko” is a novella that tells the story of an African prince who is captured and enslaved by the British. The novella is often regarded as one of the earliest works of anti-colonial literature, and it reflects Behn's complex and nuanced attitude towards colonialism. 

Anti-colonialism in "Oroonoko":

    One of the most prominent themes in “Oroonoko” is the critique of colonialism and the exploitation of non-European cultures by European powers. Throughout the novella, Behn portrays the British characters as ruthless and exploitative, using their power and authority to control and subjugate the African characters. This critique is evident from the very beginning of the novella, when the narrator describes the arrival of the British ships:

You Can also Read: Narrative Style of “Oroonoko”.

"The poor Africans...were no sooner landed and out of the ship, but they were surrounded with a multitude of Negroes of all sorts and sizes, who fell upon them with sticks, and stones, and knocked several of them down, and carried them away in triumph."

    This description sets the tone for the rest of the novella, which is marked by a sense of outrage and indignation at the treatment of the African characters.

    At the same time, Behn's critique of colonialism is not entirely straightforward. While she clearly condemns the exploitation of non-European cultures by European powers, she also portrays the African characters in a way that reflects the colonial attitudes of her time. The African characters are often romanticized and idealized, portrayed as noble savages who are inherently good and virtuous. This portrayal reflects the colonial attitudes of Behn's time, which viewed non-European cultures as exotic and primitive.

You Can also Read: Behn’s attitude towards slavery as expressed in “Oroonoko”.

    In addition to her critique of colonialism and her romanticized portrayal of the African characters, Behn also explores the complex power dynamics that underlie the system of colonialism. Throughout the novella, she portrays the British characters as both oppressors and victims of the system. While they are the ones who hold the power and control the lives of the African characters, they are also trapped within the system themselves, unable to escape the social and economic structures that perpetuate colonialism.

    This complex portrayal of power dynamics is perhaps most evident in the character of Oroonoko himself. While he is initially portrayed as a noble and virtuous character, he becomes increasingly disillusioned and embittered as the novella progresses. His experiences of colonialism and oppression lead him to question the very foundations of his society and to reject the values that he once held dear.

    At the same time, Oroonoko's rebellion against the British is ultimately unsuccessful, and he is ultimately defeated and killed. This tragic ending serves as a powerful commentary on the futility of resistance in the face of overwhelming power and oppression.

    Overall, the theme of anti-colonialism in “Oroonoko” is complex and nuanced, reflecting the contradictions and complexities of the system itself. While Behn clearly critiques the exploitation of non-European cultures by European powers, she also romanticizes and idealizes the African characters in a way that reflects the colonial attitudes of her time. Additionally, Behn explores the complex power dynamics that underlie the system of colonialism, portraying the British characters as both oppressors and victims of the system. The novella remains a powerful and impactful work of anti-colonial literature, and Behn's critique of colonialism continues to resonate with readers today.