Prince or Slave?

Aphra Behn is the author of a play, Oroonoko, that takes place in both West Africa and the New World (Southern American Colonies).  Oroonoko is about an African Prince in love with a maiden, Imoinda.  Their love suffers great tragedies, but they are finally reunited as slaves on a plantation in the New World. Through her portrayal of the differences between Oroonoko and the common slaves, Behn propagates an idea of the upper class versus the lower class in this play, she furthers the argument that if one is born an aristocrat, then one must always remain an aristocrat.

Behn first accounts the appearance of the natives of West Africa, as though they are but things to be marveled at, she describes them "with their long black Hair, and the Face painted in little Specks or Flowers here and there, makes 'em a wonderful Figure to behold." (BEHN 202).  She writes of their hunting and gathering like one might speak of the activities of a child, that they know where to get the best food and doing it for "very small and unvaluable Trifles" (Behn 202-3).  She continues to set the readers view of slaves when she writes of their great numbers on the continent of Africa and how they, the Masters and Generals sent by Plantation Owners, are inclined to "caress 'em as Friends" (BEHN 203) because if they didn't, they would surely be overcome being in the minority.  This is but the first glimpse that we see of her prejudice toward the African people, she talks of another place, Coramantien, that has tribes that are in constant battle, and so they always have men available to the slave trade.  She mentions with nonchalance that these men "were sold as Slaves; at least, those common Men who cou'd not ransom themselves." (BEHN 203) 

The story changes scenes, to the river after Oroonoko is bought by Trefry, there are many stops that they make on the way to Trefry's plantation, and the author talks about how Oroonoko's royal lineage preceded him, and how despite his removal of the royal habit, he was still "venerated and esteem'd" for his "Royal Youth appear'd in spite of the Slave" (BEHN 223).  Again, the focus of the story is on the appearance of Oroonoko and how his aristocracy survives regardless of circumstance, it remains his birthright.  Behn's opinions shine through again when she describes Imoinda (now Clemene as a slave) and her treatment of those making advances on her "she denys us all with such  noble Disdain" (BEHN 225).  

Throughout the story, the only slaves that the narrator gives any thought of are these noble ones, in fact, we do not hear of even the names of any others or her interactions with them.  She socializes with Oroonoko and Imoinda like she would anyone else of her social status, but never mentions any feelings for the other common slaves, as if they were of no consequence.  When Oroonoko suffers a horrific whipping for punishment of organizing an escape attempt, only Oroonoko's healing is of concern, there is no mention of what punishment the other slaves endured.  She comes to soothe Oroonoko's wounds, for she had retreated down river with the rest of the females at the camp for they had been "possess'd with extreme Fear" at the thought of escaped slaves.  

In conclusion, the theme throughout this story is that bloodline should overcome circumstance.  The narrator was only concerned with the capture, treatment, and whipping of Oroonoko because of his royal blood.  To her it seemed that the actions of the Governor were horrific, yet they had gone on for years before and, most likely, years after Oroonoko's life.  Had there been letters before to the Lord Maitland describing the conditions on the plantations?  Since there was no mention of any, the reader is to assume that this was the only one.  Based on the description of negroes in all context of this story, Behn has painted us a picture of white supremacy where enslaved blacks were a mere play thing for those in the upper class.