The Other is an individual who is perceived by the group as not belonging, as being different in some fundamental way. Ignorant and simple-minded, but Uncorrupted by modern civilization “Uncivilized” societies live in perfect harmony with nature and eachotherĨ Images of Women: Narrator Imoinda Onahalĩ Masculinity Oroonoko King of Coramantien Aboan Captain of ship Treyfryġ0 What is Behn’s view of: Religion? Western civilization? Slavery? Rooted in antiquity (Greek-Theocritus Roman-Virgil) Idealized natural setting Classic antiquity-shepherd in the countryside Distrust of urban culture juxtaposed with a longing for the simplicity of rural lifeĦ The American Pastoral Focus on the wilderness as an idealized, pure space-the garden of Eden before the fall (American Adam hero) Native Americans as untainted by corrupt European civilization Virgin lands where human beings have an opportunity to re-create paradise (European land is defiled)ħ The Noble Savage Trope Romanticized idealization of indigenous people 2 Four Narrative Shifts Surinam (Edenic paradise)Ĭoramantien (Africa-Oroonoko history) Surinam (slavery) Surinam (slave rebellion)Ĥ Genre the memoir: the narrator’s descriptions describe a significant first-hand experience the travel narrative: the action and characters move between Africa, the ‘new world’ in the west, and the ‘old world’ of Europe biography: the narrative tells the life story of the protagonist and heroic character Oroonoko medieval romance: Oroonoko exemplifies honor and chivalry in a knightly sense honors and protects women

Oroonoko sparknotes chapter 1