Antislavery narratives
October 9, 2008
cutie10
Yeah yeah, I know that this is a late entry but I’ve been busy! It’s midterm time! Anywho, the antislavery narrative that I would like to comment on is “Oroonoko” by Aphra Behn. I was familiar with the general story of “Oroonoko”, as I read a play a few years ago for Restoration Drama. I really enjoyed this narrative; I don’t necessarily read this text as antislavery. Although the narrator (Behn?) disapproves of slavery and the treatment of Oroonoko, the text seems to be written primarily as a romance. The description of Oroonoko is interesting, as the narrator describes him as having “white” physical characteristics; “His nose was rising and Roman, instead of African and flat” (Demaria, 297). She describes Oroonoko by saying: “The whole Proportion and Air of his face was so noble, and exactly formed, that, bating his Color, there would be nothing in nature more beautiful, agreeable and handsome” (Demaria, 297). Behn’s description of Oroonoko suggests that he is wonderful and admired because he displays European characteristics. It seems that the hardships that befall Oroonoko and Imoinda are tragic because they are noble and similar to Europeans, not because cruelty and slavery to any person is wrong.
I found the death of Imoinda heart wrenching! I understand that Oroonoko was afraid of what would happen to her once he died, but did he REALLY have to kill her? Imoinda was able to keep herself safe before his arrival at the plantation, so I really don’t think that her gruesome death was necessary. Also, Oroonoko chickened out of killing himself, thus prolonging his agony and defeat for a few more weeks.
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rachellynncook |
October 9, 2008 at 10:44 pm
it is really insulting how he is complimented by being observed as being white in characteristics, isn’t it. In years gone by I didnt even really think much of people saying “i dont see color”, but as we discussed in class? Of course we do. unless we are blind.