Like Cherise, I was interested in the author's own personal feelings toward slavery in Oroonoko. I do think that this novel is more sympathetic toward the slave as an individual than other books of its time. Oroonoko/ Caesar is meant to be viewed as a noble and honorable character. For example when defending his people "he put himself in a posture of defense, placing all the women and children in the rear" (2219). This passage both shows Oroonoko to be an honorable character while at the same time I don't think it dehumanizes the other slaves as mentioned in the earlier blog. The fact that the land in which Oroonoko is from is so idealized reflects the positive view the author has of the people. It is not a lowering of all slaves besides Oroonoko either as the author writes, "we live in perfect tranquility and good understanding" (2185). This passage places all the other slaves in the same spot as Oroonoko, which is of course a good things. Basically, I thought this book was great because it was far ahead of its time. Some sources I looked at actually said it was the first novel to have slaves shown in a positive light. And it was fairly well-received even though it was written by a woman!
-Molly Hakso
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