Destiny Vega

“…but in the water, one would think they were gods of the rivers, or fellow-citizens of the deep; so rare an art they have in swimming, diving, and almost living in water; by which they command the less swift inhabitants of the floods.”

Aphra Behn used the literary element of figurative language in this quote. Behn is saying something other than the literal meaning of the words. She uses phrases as “god of rivers” to show us that they were able to handle the water and swim or hunt in amazing ways that many people were able to do. This is important because it shows us how they were able to survive and hunt for food. 

“It is not titles make men brave or good, or birth that bestows courage.”

This quote by Aphra Behn stood out to be because she I believe that she is saying that Oroonoka is considered noble and a hero is because of his title. If he did not have the title he probably would not be considered that. This is important she emphasizes that people who do not have titles have more of an opportunity to be courageous because they have no titles. What we are born as does not automatically because us “brave or good” it is somethings that we have to prove. 

“The King of Coramantien was himself a man of an hundred and odd years old, and had no son, though he had many beautiful black wives: for most certainly there are beauties that can charm of that color.”

Aphra Behn uses characterization in this quote to shows us that the King of Coramantien is a patriarchal figure in his society that lives by this hierarchy. He has many wives who are old and young because he knows he can have them and take them for his own. He is a wicked man and generally does not care about others in his society and he proves this when he Imoinda from Ooronoko. 

“They have plurality of wives; which, when they grow old, serve those that succeed ’em, who are young, but with a servitude easy and respected; and unless they take slaves in war, they have no other attendants.”

Behn used the literary element of plot to shows us what happened or happens in the story. I think this quote is important to the story because I think it shows us the ways of which royals learn from the white men. They have many wives and have no care. This is the relationship that white men have with there women and it is something that is taught. 

“He was adorned with a native beauty, so transcending all those of his gloomy race that he struck an awe and reverence even into those that knew not his quality; as he did into me, who beheld him with surprise and wonder, when afterwards he arrived in our world.”

I believe that in this quote Aphra Behn is emphasizing on racism. I feel as if she is describing the King in a way that is racist. To me she is writing that he is beautiful despite the color of his skin and physical features. She is writing he is unlike anyone else in race and has qualities that are worthy to note. What is being said, in my eyes, is not kind but rather rude.