Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel?
Or, Discuss the theme of anti-colonialism in Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko.
Ans.
Oroonoko contains a theme against colonialism and that is why this novel is considered to be anticolonial. It throws a stream of light on the horrors of slavery and the white colonists are portrayed is greedy, brutal, and corrupt. Behn exhibits an impression that the British possessed violence and greed in their character.
The British dave trading captain becomes friendly at first but then betrays Oroonoko and sells him to Trefry. Byam pretends friendship with Oroonoko and promises him freedom. But he hunts him down, whips him, and finally puts him to death. Treachery is deep-seated in his character. The whites pretend to be friendly with the natives, but once their purpose is served, they expose their real selves. They are hypocritical, telling something, but doing something else. Behn clearly portrays the barbarism in the British nature. Byam is greedy and hypocritical, but Banister is really savage and barbarism surpasses all limits. Oroonoko is captured by Banister who tells him honestly that he will die like a dog.
The African prince replies painfully that at last, he has heard a white man tell the truth. Retry to the plight of all other slaves in his change. He is passive and helpful. Behn who is sympathetic to the slaves runs away at the first one of trouble.
Here she appears to be two-faced She assures Oroonoko of her undying devotion but she also cannot be relied on pon. The pattern is quite common amongst the British colonists. The slaves and the natives are repressed, inhumanly treated, and denied all the amenities of life. All the time they are working very hard for their master but receive Intel in return. The treatment of Banister towards Oroonoko clearly shows how the slaves are treated by the colonists. They live apparently in perfect peace “, but that is true in real life. The whites are afraid of them because they are outnumbered. They are always on their guard so that the slaves could not do any harm to them. Behn has rightly pointed out the evils of colonialism and the suffering of the slaves. In this way, Bhen finds barbarism in the British nature.
Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel Why is Oroonoko considered to be an anti-colonial novel 
