1a. How is Oroonoko described in the first paragraph of the selection? From what has he recently returned?
2a. With what does the captain of the ship entertain Oroonoko in the third paragraph of the selection?
3a. What actions on the part of Oroonoko and his fellow captives show their nobility and their spirit? Why does the captain feel compelled to release Oroonoko from his fetters?
4a. Identify the main characteristic Behn presents of the Africans and of the slave traders.
5a. Judge whether Behn is objective in her portrayal of the captain and of Oroonoko.
1b. What information given at the beginning of the selection establishes Oroonoko as a heroic character?
2b. What reason might Oroonoko have at the beginning of the selection to think that the English captain is a friend?
3b. How do the captain and Oroonoko differ with respect to their honesty and integrity? How do the negotiations over freeing Oroonoko from his fetters demonstrate this difference?
4b. Explain the role their differences had in Oroonoko's capture.
5b. Earlier in the novel, Behn writes, "And these People represented to me an absolute Idea of the first State of Innocence, before Man knew how to sin." How does Behn view the African people?
Novel. What does Oroonoko learn about the differences between his values and those of the captain? In what sense does Oroonoko lose a certain innocence about the world?
Characterization. Review the chart you made in Literary Tools. Briefly describe the character of Oroonoko, using information you learn from all three techniques of characterization.
1. A slogan is a short statement that sums up a position on an issue. Write an antislavery slogan or a slogan to support another issue that is important to you.
2. A credo is a statement of personal belief. Think of a virtue that is important to you. Write a credo, in the form of a speech or brief essay, in which you define that virtue, give examples of it, and describe why it is important to you.
3. Write a dramatic adaptation of this selection from Oroonoko. Remember that characters will have to convey meaning by words or actions, without the help of a narrator.
Editing for Capitalization. Rewrite the following sentences, correcting any errors in capitalization.
1. Aphra Behn based this novel on her experiences in suriname.
2. She, herself, took part in a Slave Rebellion.
3. This novel tells of oroonoko, a Prince.
4. The novel is called Oroonoko, Or the royal slave.
5. Behn's book was outlawed in all british colonies.
Researching Slavery. Use library resources to find more information on the slave trade and the anti-slavery movement. What was happening at the time Behn wrote Oroonoko? Create a bibliography of sources you used to answer these questions.
Research Findings:
Sources Used:
