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Oroonoko: The History of the Royal Slave by Aphra Behn - Little Black Classics

Emilio Cox

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Published in Oroonoko (Penguin Little Black Classics)

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One of the most celebrated works of English literature, Oroonoko tells the tragic tale of an African prince who is captured and sold into slavery in the New World. Written in the late 17th century by Aphra Behn, one of the first female playwrights and novelists in English history, Oroonoko is a powerful indictment of slavery and a moving exploration of love, loss, and freedom. Now available in a beautiful new edition from Little Black Classics, Oroonoko is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the African diaspora.

Setting and Plot

Oroonoko is set in the late 17th century in the English colony of Suriname, on the northeast coast of South America. The novel follows the title character, Oroonoko, a young prince from the Coromantee tribe, who is captured by slave traders and sold into slavery. Oroonoko is a proud and noble warrior, and he refuses to accept his fate as a slave. He leads several revolts against his captors, but each one is met with brutal force. Eventually, Oroonoko is captured and executed.

Oroonoko (Penguin Little Black Classics)

by Aphra Behn

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	968 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Print length	:	118 pages

The novel is narrated by a white woman who is living in Suriname. She meets Oroonoko and is impressed by his intelligence, courage, and dignity. She tells his story in order to expose the horrors of slavery and to celebrate the human spirit.

Characters

Oroonoko is the central character in the novel. He is a complex and tragic figure, a proud and noble warrior who is forced to endure the horrors of slavery. Oroonoko is a symbol of the strength and resilience of the African people, and his story is a reminder of the horrors of slavery.

Imoinda is Oroonoko's beloved wife. She is a beautiful and virtuous woman who is also enslaved. Imoinda is a symbol of the suffering and abuse that African women endured during slavery.

The narrator is a white woman who lives in Suriname. She meets Oroonoko and Imoinda and is deeply moved by their story. The narrator is a symbol of the growing awareness of the horrors of slavery in the 17th century.

Themes

Oroonoko explores a number of important themes, including:

The horrors of slavery: The novel is a powerful indictment of slavery, and it exposes the brutality and inhumanity of the slave trade. Oroonoko's story is a reminder of the millions of Africans who were enslaved and forced to endure unimaginable suffering.
The strength and resilience of the African people: Despite the horrors of slavery, Oroonoko and Imoinda never lose their dignity or their hope. They are symbols of the strength and resilience of the African people, and their story is an inspiration to all who fight for freedom and justice.
The importance of freedom: Oroonoko is a passionate believer in freedom, and he is willing to die for it. The novel explores the importance of freedom, and it argues that all people have the right to be free.

Significance

Oroonoko is a landmark work in English literature. It was one of the first novels to focus on an African protagonist, and it was one of the first works to expose the horrors of slavery. The novel had a profound impact on its readers, and it helped to raise awareness of slavery and the plight of enslaved Africans.

Oroonoko is still a powerful and moving novel today. It is a reminder of the horrors of slavery, and it is a celebration of the strength and resilience of the human spirit. The novel is a must-read for anyone interested in literature, history, or the African diaspora.

Little Black Classics

Oroonoko is one of the many classic works of literature available in Penguin's Little Black Classics series. These books are beautiful, accessible, and affordable editions of the world's great literature. Each book is a jewel-like object, with a black cover and gold foil stamping. The books are also small and portable, so you can take them with you wherever you go.

Little Black Classics are perfect for readers of all ages. They are a great way to discover new authors and genres, or to revisit old favorites. With over 100 titles to choose from, there is sure to be a Little Black Classic for everyone.

To learn more about Little Black Classics, or to purchase a copy of Oroonoko, visit the Penguin website.

Oroonoko (Penguin Little Black Classics)

by Aphra Behn

4.3 out of 5