Themes of morality and power in Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

Themes of morality and power in Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

Q. Discuss the themes of morality and power in Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

Answer: Oroonoko is a novella written by Aphra Behn in the seventeenth century. The story explores several themes, including morality and power. Morality refers to the principles and values that govern human behavior, while power refers to the ability to influence or control others. In Oroonoko, morality and power are intertwined, and Behn uses the characters' actions and decisions to highlight the complex relationship between the two themes.

One of the central characters in Oroonoko is the eponymous hero, a young prince from Africa who is sold into slavery and taken to the British colony of Surinam. Oroonoko is a man of great moral character, and throughout the novella, he strives to uphold his principles and values, even in the face of great adversity. For example, when he is betrayed by his friend and sold into slavery, Oroonoko remains dignified and proud. He also refuses to betray his people, even when offered his freedom in exchange for information.

The theme of morality is also explored through the character of Imoinda, Oroonoko's lover. Imoinda is a woman of great beauty and virtue, and her relationship with Oroonoko is based on mutual love and respect. However, Imoinda's virtue is threatened by the colonial system of slavery, which treats her as property rather than a human being. Despite this, Imoinda remains loyal to Oroonoko and ultimately chooses to die rather than be used as a sexual object by the colonial authorities.

Power is another central theme in Oroonoko. The novella portrays the power dynamics between the European colonizers and the African slaves they have brought to the New World. The colonizers hold all the power, and they use it to control and exploit the African slaves. The slaves, on the other hand, are powerless and subject to the whims of their masters. Oroonoko, as a prince in Africa, is used to having power and authority, but he is reduced to a slave in Surinam. Throughout the novella, Oroonoko struggles to regain his power and assert his authority, but he is ultimately unsuccessful.

In conclusion, Oroonoko is a complex work that explores the themes of morality and power. Through the actions of its characters, the novella highlights the intricate relationship between these two themes and shows how they are intertwined. Behn's work raises important questions about the nature of power and the role of morality in a world where power is often used to oppress and exploit others.

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