Oroonoko, Not an Anti-Slavery Text

A detailed Summary of Oroonoko, Not an Anti-Slavery Text

Upon first reading Aphra Behn's work Oroonoko, one might get the impression that this is an early example of antislavery literature that became so popular during the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. In the short biography of Behn from the Norton Anthology of British Literature, we learn that Behn's story had a great impact on those who fought against the slave- trade. Although the horrors of the slave trade are clearly brought forth, I do not feel Behn was using these images towards the antislavery cause. I think it is more likely that the images were merely devices used in her travel narrative of Oroonoko.

To see any negative view of the slave-trade, the reader must turn to the perspective of Oroonoko. Through him the reader sees how horrible the treatment of slaves is and how inhuman the slave-trade is. It might escape me, but I do not recall any moment in the story where the narrator takes its upon herself to di

scuss the slave trade. It seems that in that way that she is disconnecting herself from any responsibility.

All these examples do is simply add to the confusion of Behn's work. Her work can be construed as both antislavery and although not necessarily pro-slavery, not against it. What is important is that although it might not have been her initial goal she set forth a particular discourse in literature that had great impact on later anti-slavery writers.

I also question Behn feelings toward slavery because of her descriptions of the relationships between slaves and masters. The dark side of slavery is obviously shown but does Behn also show a more friendly tone. If this was truly an antislavery piece as some would believe, why would she show what a good relationship Oroonoko has had with some of his masters and how enamored Trefry is with Clemene.

It is funny that even though the narrator is considered to b

Some common words found in the essay are:
British Literature, Trefry Clemene, Behn's Oroonoko, slave trade, ,

Approximate Word count = 623
Approximate Pages = 2 (250 words per page double spaced)

Category: English

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