First of all I would like to discuss the issue of an ideal society. What is an ideal society? Is it something that is written in stone? Is it something attainable or is it merely an ideal? Literature often deals with the notion of a perfect world. This too is present in Oroonoko. This perfect portrayal of the world seemed to be a bit evident in the beginning of the story but it is soon shattered. There are many "illusions to a pure world but the characters are too problematic," as stated in a critical review of the story (Woodcock, 137). Even in the main character Oroonoko there are problems. First of all, he is a man of color but he is treated with some e

major theme: the conflict between sex and society. In the Edenic world of the poem, in which 'Right and Property were words since made,' lovers are restrained only by the vows to each other," as stated in the book (Link, 110). So were the vows taken by Imoinda and Oroonoko enough to appease the king? We will never know because the king had no knowledge of their vows.

With in the realms of love and power falls another great issue found in the story, loyalty. What was the role of loyalty in the society? It seems like loyalty was had no real significance. If it had then the King/grandfather would not have tried to get Imoinda. He knew that she and Oroonoko had feelings for each other but he didn't care. On the other hand Imoinda would not have gone with the King. She did already have a spoken commitment to Oroonoko but it doesn't seem to have much significance. The society did not seem to place much of an emphasis on loyalty however, Oroonoko seemed loyal to Imoinda. His love for her ran deep and even though she was suppose to be the king's property, he risked his life to make the final commitment to Imoinda. Even in this act, Imoinda tries to save herself by claiming that Oroonoko raped her. Again she is doing what's best for her. I don't dislike Imoinda but I have to question her nature. If the king had been able to perform, wo!

Another thing that must be addressed is the role of slavery in the story. The story is said to be somewhat of a slave narrative. Being that Oroonoko is sold into slavery and forced to work against his will. One problem with that is the fact that at the beginning of the story, Oroonoko has slaves of his own. If this story was supposed to be a slave narrative then Behn should have used a more positive or realistic view of the slave. Another thing that must be taken into consideration is the fact that Oroonoko and Imoinda are beautiful people. They are not treated as the other slaves are. They are put up on a pedestal of sorts. However, one major

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Approximate Word count = 1354
Approximate Pages = 5 (250 words per page double spaced)