Who was Aphra Behn (1640-1689)?
Behn is regarded as one of the first writers to commit herself solely to the craft of writing. Her works include various comedies, poems, and dramas, but she is not a writer who has been widely translated, with the exception of her novel "Oroonoko", which is her most famous work. Also called "The Royal Slave", which was published in 1688, is widely regarded as the earliest anti-slavery novel ever written. Her other works are Forced Marriage, The Feigned Courtesans, and The Emperor of the Moon.
-Virginia Wolf said the following about Aphra Behn: "All women together ought to let flowers fall upon the tomb of Aphra Behn, for it was she who earned them the right to speak their minds": Woolf wants appreciation for Behn's work and the progress she represents for women in literature, emphasizing the idea that Behn's bravery and successes in writing has established the path for future generations of women to openly express their opinions without fear of society's opinions.
Know more about her life as a spy in the following video made by the National Archives UK:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=djjgCWxKhBg
Summary of "Oronooko":
·"Oroonoko, or The Royal Slave," narrates the narrative of Oroonoko, an African prince from the Coramantien kingdom who is kidnapped and sold into slavery in Suriname, a British colony.
·The narrative is told by a female narrator who claims to have witnessed Oroonoko's terrible story. Oroonoko is portrayed as a noble and dignified figure, notable for his bravery, attractiveness, and intelligence. Despite his royal title, he suffers the humiliation of captivity, which significantly transforms his circumstances.
·As the novel progresses, Oroonoko battles the evils of slavery and strives to restore his dignity. He fights his captors alongside his beloved Imoinda, who is likewise caught up in the colonial system after being forced into slavery. Finally, Oroonoko commits a tragic act.to spare Imoinda and their unborn child from a life of pain, bringing the story to a devastating closure.
Gender Roles in the character of Imoinda and the female narrator:
·Imoinda's Strength and Agency: Despite being a slave, Imoinda emerges as a formidable figure. She demonstrates loyalty and courage by battling beside Oroonoko. Unlike majority of depictions of women at the time, she is not reduced to mere objectification; she actively participates in her fate, acquiring a complexity that challenges 17th-century gender stereotypes.
·The female narrator: The storytelling from a female perspective is critical. This narrator wields power and knowledge, bridging the male-dominated realm of colonization with a more complex grasp of both African and European civilizations. By showing appreciation for Oroonoko, she exhibits her own ability to overcome societal limitations.
·Gender Reversal: Oroonoko is shown with attributes often considered feminine—sensitivity, emotional depth, and a passion for aesthetics—subverting traditional masculinity. This merging of gender attributes highlights the changing nature of gender roles in the context of power and oppression.
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