Oroonoko: A Tragedy: By Aphra Behn - Dover Thrift Editions: Black History, 18th-Century Literature, Slavery Narrative

Oroonoko, a popular 17th-century novel by Aphra Behn, is a fictionalized account of the life of an African prince who is enslaved and sold to the English in Suriname. The novel is considered a landmark work in English literature, and it has been widely studied and discussed for its insights into race, slavery, and gender.

Oroonoko (Dover Thrift Editions: Black History)

by Aphra Behn

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12226 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	2.56 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.2 x 8 inches

FREE

The novel tells the story of Oroonoko, a young prince from Coromantin, Africa. Oroonoko is captured by slave traders and sold to the English, who transport him to Suriname. In Suriname, Oroonoko is forced to work on a plantation, where he is subjected to brutal treatment by the overseers. Despite his enslavement, Oroonoko retains his dignity and pride, and he refuses to submit to the authority of his captors.

Oroonoko's story is a tragic one, but it is also a story of hope and resistance. Oroonoko's refusal to submit to his enslavers is a powerful example of the human spirit's ability to overcome adversity. The novel also offers a glimpse into the horrors of slavery, and it exposes the hypocrisy of a society that claims to be Christian while condoning the enslavement of Africans.

Oroonoko is a complex and challenging novel, but it is also a rewarding one. The novel offers a unique perspective on race, slavery, and gender, and it is a valuable addition to any library of English literature.

About the Author

Aphra Behn (1640-1689) was an English playwright, novelist, and poet. She was one of the first women to earn her living as a writer, and she is considered one of the most important figures in the history of English literature.

Behn was born in Wye, Kent, England. Her father was a barber-surgeon, and her mother was a midwife. Behn was a precocious child, and she began writing at a young age. In 1664, she married a wealthy merchant named William Behn, but he died just two years later. Behn was left a widow with two young children, and she was forced to support herself and her family by writing.

Behn's early works were comedies, but she is best known for her novel Oroonoko (1688). Oroonoko was a huge success, and it was one of the most popular novels of the 18th century. Behn's novel is considered a landmark work in English literature, and it has been widely studied and discussed for its insights into race, slavery, and gender.

Behn died in London in 1689. She was buried in the churchyard of St. Paul's, Covent Garden. Behn's work was largely forgotten after her death, but it was rediscovered in the 20th century, and she is now considered one of the most important figures in the history of English literature.

Dover Thrift Editions

Dover Thrift Editions are a series of affordable reprints of classic works of literature, philosophy, and history. The books in the series are unabridged and feature authoritative texts, s, and notes by leading scholars. Dover Thrift Editions are an excellent resource for students, teachers, and general readers who want to explore the great works of Western civilization.

The Dover Thrift Edition of Oroonoko features an and notes by Maximillian E. Novak, a leading scholar of 17th-century English literature. Novak's provides a comprehensive overview of Oroonoko and its historical context. His notes provide helpful explanations of the novel's difficult passages and allusions.

The Dover Thrift Edition of Oroonoko is an excellent choice for readers who want to experience this classic work of English literature. The book is affordable, authoritative, and accessible, making it an ideal choice for students, teachers, and general readers.

Black History

Oroonoko is an important work of Black history. The novel offers a unique perspective on the experiences of enslaved Africans in the 17th century. Behn's novel exposes the horrors of slavery, and it challenges the racist assumptions of her time.

Oroonoko has been a source of inspiration for generations of Black writers and activists. The novel has been used to support the abolition of slavery, and it has been cited as evidence of the humanity of Africans. Oroonoko is a powerful and moving work of literature, and it is an essential part of the Black history canon.

18th-Century Literature

Oroonoko is a significant work of 18th-century literature. The novel is a prime example of the sentimental style of writing that was popular during the period. Sentimental novels often featured idealized characters and situations, and they were designed to evoke pity and sympathy in readers.

Oroonoko is a sentimental novel, but it is also a complex and challenging work of literature. The novel does not shy away from the harsh realities of slavery, and it offers a powerful indictment of the institution. Oroonoko is a valuable addition to the canon of 18th-century literature, and it is a must-read for anyone interested in the period.

Slavery Narrative

Oroonoko is a classic example of a slavery narrative.

Oroonoko (Dover Thrift Editions: Black History)

by Aphra Behn

4.4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	12226 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	201 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Paperback	:	80 pages
Item Weight	:	2.56 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.2 x 8 inches

FREE