Behn from having directly written with a purpose such as animated Mrs. It has been said that ‘ Oroonoko is the first emancipation novel’, and there is no little acumen in this remark. It is vivid, realistic, pregnant with pathos, beauty, and truth, and not only has it so impressed itself upon the readers of more than two centuries, but further, it surely struck a new note in English literature and one which was re-echoed far and wide. Its originality and power have singled it out for a permanence and popularity none of her other works attained. The tale of Oroonoko, the Royal Slave is indisputably Mrs. 1862 / Pictures from History / Bridgeman Images. No part of this publication may be reproduced, distributed, or transmitted in any form or by any means, including photocopying, recording, or other electronic or mechanical methods, without the prior written permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in critical reviews and certain other noncommercial uses permitted by copyright law.Ĭover Image: a detail of Suriname: Waterfront and government buildings at Paramaribo, by Jacob Eduard van Heemskerck van Beest, c. Read moreĬover.jpg OROONOKO OR, THE ROYAL SLAVE By APHRA BEHN A compelling and sympathetic novel, “Oroonoko” is regarded as one of the earliest of English novels, which was immensely popular in its time and shone an important light on the brutality of slavery in the English colonies. When their request is denied, Oroonoko plans a slave revolt, an action when ultimately leads to the novel’s tragic conclusion. Imoinda becomes pregnant and the two petition their master to be returned to their homeland. The two live together as husband and wife under their slave names of Caesar and Clemene. After travelling to Surinam, an English colony at the time, Oroonoko is surprisingly reunited with Imoinda. Oroonoko, believing that the king is too old to consummate their marriage, secretly plans a romantic rendezvous with Imoinda, an action which consequently results in the two being sold into slavery. When the king hears of Imoinda’s beauty he demands that she become one of his wives, giving her a sacred veil, thus forcing her to become a member of his harem. First published in 1688, “Oroonoko” follows the tragic love story of Oroonoko, an African prince, and his beloved Imoinda.
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