34 pages • 1 hour read
Aphra BehnOroonoko
Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1688A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Oroonoko by Aphra Behn tells the story of an African prince named Oroonoko who is betrayed and sold into slavery, reuniting with his beloved Imoinda in the English colony of Surinam. His quest for freedom leads to an uprising and tragic consequences, ultimately revealing themes of love, betrayal, and resistance against colonial oppression. The novel includes instances of violence and enslavement.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Aphra Behn's Oroonoko earns praise for its pioneering role in early English literature and its empathy toward its African protagonist, showcasing ahead-of-its-time progressive views on race and slavery. However, some criticize the novel for its romanticized portrayal of colonialism and occasional narrative inconsistencies.
Who Should Read Oroonoko?
A reader who enjoys Oroonoko by Aphra Behn is likely fascinated by early modern literature, colonial and post-colonial studies, and narratives exploring themes of slavery and heroism. Fans of works like Robinson Crusoe by Daniel Defoe and Gulliver’s Travels by Jonathan Swift may find similar intrigue in Behn's blend of adventure, exoticism, and political commentary.