Behns presentation of Oroonoko as a hero is in keeping with that of the dictates of romanticism. The hero “Oroonoko a prince and the military leader of his nation, is brave, courageous, quick of wit, well educated and has a ‘greatness of soul’. ‘Refined notions of true honour,’ ‘absolute generosity’ and that softness that was capable of the highest passions of love and gallantry;” (Duchovnay IXXVII).Thus, by this summation Charles Duchovnay highlights the virtues of the hero in keeping with Romantic traditions as he is presented in Behn’s novel.

It is these characteristics which enable the

Though European identities are attributed to Imoinda these are to no avail as her true African spirits rises to the fore. Unhappy with her lot in life she persuades Oroonoko to challenge the present system by inciting the slaves to rebel. In all this she stands by his side wounding the governor with a near death blow. Such display of courage is an indicator of hoe un-European Imoinda is for “the white woman possesses little practical authority despite the fact that she is aligned with the colonising male and invested with great symbolic power” (Athey and Alarcón 421). The timid European female would not exhibit such strength of character but would flee for her safety as was shown by the narrator.

Pigg,Daniel F. “Trying to Frame the Unframeable: Oroonoko as Discourse in

Colonial Discourse in the America’s”. American Literature. 65 (September 1993).

In accordance with her presentation of the fair Imoinda as a woman of virtue, the latter’s submission to the laws of the state by accepting the royal veil is seen in this light. Though her mere acceptance places her in a compromising position, she still remains chaste and holds true to the vow she makes with Oroonoko thereby exhibiting the virtues of the European female in light of romantic traditions. Additionally, this notion is further strengthened when she is enslaved and “denies… all” the males her virtues “with … a noble display” (21).

Some topics in this essay:
Daniel Pigg, Imoinda Europeanized, Barbaric European, European African, Charles Duchovnay, Oroonoko’s Africa, Oroonoko Imoinda, Imoinda Hence, Oroonoko Imoinda…have, Athey Alarcón, romantic tradition, european female, romantic traditions, aphra behns, behn’s novel, hero romantic tradition, african society, athey alarcón, oroonoko imoinda, pigg 4, oroonoko hero, virtues european female,