Novel. A novel is a long work of prose fiction. Oroonoko is considered to be one of the, if not the, first British novel. Novels usually have subplots in addition to their main plot. Furthermore, novels often realistically portray the interior psychological states of characters. Note the changes that Oroonoko undergoes in this selection.
Characterization. Characterization is the use of literary techniques to create a character. Writers use three major techniques to create characters—direct description, in which the writer through a narrator or other character comments directly on the character; portrayal of character’s behavior, in which the writer presents the actions or speech of the character allowing the reader to draw his or her own conclusions; and representations of internal states, in which the writer reveals a character’s private thoughts and emotions.
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Written just a year before Behn died, Oroonoko, or the Royal Slave, combines elements of autobiography, travel narrative, and fictional prose. Drawing on her own experiences in Suriname, Behn tells in this short novel the story of an African prince, Oroonoko, who is deceived by an Englishman and sold into slavery. Oroonoko falls in love with Imoinda, the daughter of one of the king’s generals. Unfortunately, the king loves Imoinda as well. He chooses her as his own by bestowing upon her a royal veil. When he learns that Oroonoko has secretly visited Imoinda, he is very angry. Imoinda tells the king a lie to save her life. As a result, the king decides she is not fit for him or for Oroonoko, so he has her sold into slavery. In the meantime, Oroonoko is away at battle. This selection picks up upon Oroonoko’s return from battle. Behn’s book, with its noble hero, did much to turn British public opinion against the slave trade, which was outlawed in all British colonies in 1833.
As you read, keep a chart to show how Behn creates the character of Oroonoko.
Write about a time when somebody deceived you. What did the deception cost you? How did you react to it?
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