Give an Account of the Major Themes of “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 a complex work that explores a variety of themes, including love, honor, power, and identity. 

Themes of "Oroonoko":

    One of the most prominent themes in “Oroonoko” is the theme of love. Throughout the novella, Behn portrays the love between Oroonoko and Imoinda as pure and true, a love that transcends social and cultural barriers. This love is evident from the very beginning of the novella, when Oroonoko first sees Imoinda and is immediately smitten:

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

"The moment he saw her, he was struck with her beauty, and stood amazed at her person, that was so very different from those of his countrywomen."

This love between Oroonoko and Imoinda is a driving force throughout the novella, motivating their actions and influencing the decisions of other characters.

    Another major theme in Oroonoko is the theme of honor. Throughout the novella, Behn portrays honor as a complex and multifaceted concept, one that can be both a source of strength and a source of weakness. Oroonoko, for example, is a character who is deeply committed to the concept of honor, and his actions are often motivated by a desire to uphold his honor and the honor of his people. At the same time, however, Oroonoko's commitment to honor can also be a source of weakness, leading him to make decisions that ultimately lead to his downfall.

You Can also Read: Theme of anti-colonialism in Arpha Behn’s “Oroonoko”.

    Power is another major theme in “Oroonoko”. Throughout the novella, Behn portrays power as a complex and often corrupting force, one that can be used for both good and evil. The British characters in the novella, for example, hold a great deal of power, and they use this power to control and subjugate the African characters. At the same time, however, Behn also portrays power as a source of strength for the African characters, who use their own power and influence to resist the British and fight for their freedom.

    Identity is also a major theme in “Oroonoko”. Throughout the novella, Behn explores the complex and multifaceted nature of identity, showing how it can be shaped by a variety of factors, including race, culture, and history. Oroonoko, for example, is a character who struggles with his own identity throughout the novella, torn between his African heritage and his experiences with the British. Similarly, the British characters in the novella also struggle with their own identities, grappling with their place in a society that is built on the exploitation and subjugation of others.

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

    Finally, the theme of justice is also prominent in “Oroonoko”. Throughout the novella, Behn portrays justice as a complex and often elusive concept, one that can be difficult to achieve in a society that is marked by inequality and oppression. Oroonoko, for example, seeks justice for himself and his people, but he ultimately fails to achieve it, falling victim to the corrupt and unjust system that he is fighting against.

    Overall, the themes of love, honor, power, identity, and justice are all central to “Oroonoko”, contributing to the novella's complex and nuanced portrayal of the human experience. Through these themes, Behn explores a variety of issues that continue to resonate with readers today, including the nature of love, the complexities of power and identity, and the struggle for justice in an unjust world.