Oroonoko
Introduction + Context
Plot Summary
Detailed Summary & Analysis
1. Oroonoko in Coramantien 2. Kidnapped 3. Slavery in Suriname 4. Oroonoko’s Revolt 5. Oroonoko’s Revenge
Themes
All Themes Racism Betrayal Love and Obedience Freedom and Slavery Honor
Quotes
Characters
All Characters Prince Oroonoko Imoinda (a.k.a Clemene) Narrator (Aphra Behn) King of Coramantien Aboan Onahal Jamoan The Captain Trefry Tuscan Governor Byam Colonel Martin
Symbols
All Symbols The Royal Veil Onahal’s Pearl Earrings
Literary Devices
All Literary Devices Allusions Ethos Genre Hyperbole Metaphors Mood Motifs Oxymorons Setting Similes Style Tone
Quizzes
All Quizzes 1. Oroonoko in Coramantien Quiz 2. Kidnapped Quiz 3. Slavery in Suriname Quiz 4. Oroonoko’s Revolt Quiz 5. Oroonoko’s Revenge Quiz
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Oroonoko

by

Aphra Behn
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The Captain Character Analysis

A seemingly well-bred and genteel English sea captain, the Captain, as he is called, first pretends to be Oroonoko’s friend. The Captain is welcomed at the Coramantien court and treated like a royal guest. One day, he sets a trap to capture Oroonoko and 100 of his men, so that he can sell them into slavery. After throwing a party on his ship and getting the men drunk, the Captain chains up Oroonoko and his attendants. When Oroonoko and his band then refuse to eat, the Captain lies to Oroonoko, telling him that if he will eat, the Captain he will set everyone free at the next port. Ultimately the Captain delivers his prisoners to Suriname and sells them as slaves.

The Captain Quotes in Oroonoko

The Oroonoko quotes below are all either spoken by The Captain or refer to The Captain. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Racism Theme Icon
).
2. Kidnapped Quotes

Some have commended this act, as brave in the captain; but I will spare my sense of it, and leave it to my reader to judge as he pleases.

Related Characters: Narrator (Aphra Behn) (speaker), Prince Oroonoko, The Captain
Racism Theme Icon
Betrayal Theme Icon
Freedom and Slavery Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon

He was very sorry to hear that the captain pretended to the knowledge and worship of any gods, who had taught him no better principles than not to credit as he would be credited.

Related Characters: Narrator (Aphra Behn) (speaker), Prince Oroonoko, The Captain
Betrayal Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon

Come, my fellow-slaves, let us descend, and see if we can meet with more honor and honesty in the next world we shall touch upon.

Related Characters: Prince Oroonoko (speaker), The Captain
Betrayal Theme Icon
Freedom and Slavery Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon
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The Captain Quotes in Oroonoko

The Oroonoko quotes below are all either spoken by The Captain or refer to The Captain. For each quote, you can also see the other characters and themes related to it (each theme is indicated by its own dot and icon, like this one:
Racism Theme Icon
).
2. Kidnapped Quotes

Some have commended this act, as brave in the captain; but I will spare my sense of it, and leave it to my reader to judge as he pleases.

Related Characters: Narrator (Aphra Behn) (speaker), Prince Oroonoko, The Captain
Racism Theme Icon
Betrayal Theme Icon
Freedom and Slavery Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon

He was very sorry to hear that the captain pretended to the knowledge and worship of any gods, who had taught him no better principles than not to credit as he would be credited.

Related Characters: Narrator (Aphra Behn) (speaker), Prince Oroonoko, The Captain
Betrayal Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon

Come, my fellow-slaves, let us descend, and see if we can meet with more honor and honesty in the next world we shall touch upon.

Related Characters: Prince Oroonoko (speaker), The Captain
Betrayal Theme Icon
Freedom and Slavery Theme Icon
Honor Theme Icon
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