For Wednesday:
Behn, Oroonoko (read at least to page 40, but feel free to read the
entire work—we’ll finish discussing it on Friday)
Answer TWO of
the following:
Q1: In class, I
read you William Dampier’s account of discovering the Aborigines in Australia,
which he claimed “differ but little from Brutes…Their Eyelids are always
half closed, to keep the Flies out of their Eyes…[a]nd therefore they cannot
see far, unless they hold up their Heads, as if they were looking at something
over them.” How does Behn describe the natives in Surinam
Q2: How does the
narrator describe Oroonoko’s appearance and attributes? What kind of man is he?
Is he another “brute”/savage, or is he more ‘European’ in his character and
appearance? You might also consider why he is given the slave name Caesar in Surinam
Q3: Behn writes
that “But [Oroonoko’s] misfortune was to fall in an obscure world, that
afforded only a female pen to celebrate his fame, though I doubt not but it had
lived from others’ endeavours, if the Dutch, who, immediately after his time,
took that country, had not killed, banished, and dispersed all those that were
capable of giving the world this great man’s life, much better than I have done.”
Do you think we are meant to read this as a work of fiction or a work of
non-fiction? Is this a history of real events, or a fictional work based on the
‘real’ world? Is the narrator Behn, herself? Or is this merely a fictional
first-person narrator? Is there any way to tell?
Q4: In the
preface to his 1633 map of the world, Mercator writes that “Here wee have
the right of Lawes, the dignity of the Christian Religion, the forces of
Armes…Moreover, Europe manageth all Arts and Sciences with such dexterity, that
for the invention of manie things shee may be truly called a Mother.” Do
you think Behn agrees with that? How does this novel comment on the
colonization of the Americas
Q1- Behn seems to have a more modern view on Surinamese natives. She apparently understands that their culture is very different, but accepts them. She praises the commodities that the natives use as trading goods, as well as the colorful beads and fabrics crafted by the natives. She even comments on the civility displayed by the natives, despite their lack of clothing. Behn describes the native culture as a society that seems like it can be briefly summarized with the words "simple and pure". Its as if this 3rd world culture is untainted by modern society, and thus, retained its innocence. The Natives remind me of the Jungle People from "The Jungle Book"
ReplyDeleteQ2- The narrator sounds quite enamored with Oroonoko, she even writes: "...there cou'd be nothing in Nature more beautiful, agreeable, and handsome." However, Oroonoko displays an interesting mix of African and European characteristics. He is described as "... a perfect Ebony, or polish'd Jett.", but with a very Roman face. His nose is not flat, nor are his lips that of one with African heritage. Behn claims that no Statuary (sculptor) in the world could carve Oronooko's likeness. Oroonoko reminds me of Othello quite a bit due to the fact that he is so unique.
Great responses!
DeleteQ1A). Behn describes the natives in Surinam as people that they “live in perfect tranquility” p. 10 She most definitely does not have the same view as William Dampier’s – for she seems to be accepting of them for who they are. She gives them grand attributes of swimming and hunting without hinting at them being complete wild savages.
ReplyDeleteQ2A). The narrator describes, on page 13, that Oroonoko is a great, just man with a courageous mind with good judgement and wit. He speaks both French and English, giving him a more European feel. The prince acts with royalty and is not afraid to fight.
Good responses!
DeleteQ3. I think Aphra Behn would prefer her audience to believe that this story is an 100% true account, because that would help her ideas spread more with all the people who would end up excited to pick up this "true" history of a slave. But, she probably knew that some people would question the integrity of her "true" story because of the two factors of the story that people will discredit: a non-European person being depicted as an equal, and it written by a woman who some people would believe was just won over by fancy and emotion, so people may believe that she is incapable of writing a factual historical story. Ultimately, I believe this could easily have been inspired by small true events she has experienced, witnessed, or hear of, like maybe a slave being reunited with his wife, but it also isn't entirely factual.
ReplyDeleteQ4. I don't think Behn agreed or would agree, because in the story she points out this "Christian belief" through the captain on pages 32-33 when the captain is questioning Oroonoko's honesty and word. because, it would cause himself torment in the afterlife, but is willing to lie and trick Oroonoko TWICE. Behn even characterized the natives as if she was looking at Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. She even compliments their work on good goods and even shows, that while now is a little barbaric, they have a kingdom and government as well. Honestly, this "kingdom" made me think of the many biblical kings where they had many wives and also could call on a woman under the "kings veil".
Great responses!
DeleteQuestion 1) Behn describes the natives, as was mentioned in class, “noble savages.” She describes them as “the color of brick, but smooth and sleek” with “the face painted in little specks or flowers here and there, makes ‘em a wonderful figure to behold.” Behn says all this but also throws in “for they have all that is called beauty, except the colour.” I believe Behn did this to show that yes, while they natives are savage there is a chance of refinement. She adds in little “buts” and “excepts” I believe to help Europeans accept them. If she said the natives looked just as she did with no flaw other Europeans might not enjoy that. They might view it as Behn saying people as savage as the natives are just like Europeans, there is no inferiority. Whereas, how she said the natives are pleasant but they have flaws, it shows they can be refined but they may never reach the prestigious standing of the Europeans, which would be the accepted idea.
ReplyDeleteQuestion 3) I believe in the time this novel was written it was supposed to be taken as nonfiction. Behn wants the reader to believe these occurrences are true, thus making the people true as well. By doing this is just reinforced her idea of the natives becoming excepted people. If Behn made it known that this story was completely imaginative, then want reason would the Europeans have to give people of color a chance. Non-fictionalizing this fiction work was done entirely out of Behn’s agenda to end the demeaning views of Africans in the European countries
Great responses!
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ReplyDeleteDana Welch
ReplyDeleteQ1.
I think that Behn has a more observant view of the natives, not a particularly un-racist but not racist and also not that pleasant. It seems she is trying to sugar coat their culture and lifestyle.
Q2.
I think Oroonoko is given a much too European attribute and is not even seen much as being a native except in a few instances where it is unfortunate for him. It seems to be that like Othello, he is just as good as the white man until someone just notices, hey, he's not the same color! Be bad to him!
Good, but try to give a bit more detail, especially on Q1: you're giving a good point of view but not showing me why you think so. Where do you see "sugar coating" going on?
DeleteQ #3'
ReplyDeleteAphra Behn would have liked for people to think that this is a true story. The use of "I" is tricky because from her intro, we already get the feel of who she is and that it is her writing it. Now it just starts the story and I still feel that she is speaking from her perspective. I guess it depends on the person reading it!
Q#2
I feel that he comes from a "brute" place but he resembles the European/White characteristics. That's interesting because you are born with the like culture your ancestors have lived in. Unless a person was raised differently, they should more than likely look like their people. He seems way more sophisticated and similar to the whites. Probably to show that he is a person with feelings and the only to show people that is to make them look similar to the people you are trying to convince.
Good responses!
Delete