Peace Between Slaves and Masters is a Load of Crap

I find it interesting that English writer, Aphra Behn, focuses so much on the idea that she and others of her nation have the most wonderfully peaceful relations with their slaves. She even goes so far as to state that they “live in perfect tranquility and good understanding” (2185). Unfortunately, this comes across as an idealized version of the truth. Yes, the slaves may appear respectful toward their masters, but they are by no means living in “perfect tranquility” with them. Slavery is rarely (if ever) a positive situation for those in it.

As the narrator, Behn only appears to respect Oroonoko because he is “a royal slave”(2183). She does not afford the other slaves the same amount of recognition. Instead, they are described as barbarians and uncivilized. The narrator does not hold these slaves in high regard because they are not valuable to him. As stated in the beginning of the story, the narrator states that he and his people are good to the slaves because “it behooves us to do” (2185). They need the slaves to show them “the best foods of the country and the means of getting it” (2185). In short, the English only choose to be peaceful with the slaves for or their own selfish reasons.

In addition to Oroonoko’s royalty, Imoinda is respected for her “pretty features” (2184). Imoinda is only a necessary character in the story because she is an attractive slave, not because she exhibits redeeming characteristics that the English value. The other slave women are not even mentioned; they are unimportant because their looks are not sensational.

In short, Behn’s point that the English and the slaves coexist in perfect harmony is simply ridiculous. The English don’t understand the slaves at all and only value them for superficial reasons.