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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Oroonoko summary
Aphra Behn
Brief summary
Oroonoko is a gripping novel by Aphra Behn that tells the tragic story of an African prince sold into slavery in Suriname. It delves into themes of love, honor, and the brutality of the slave trade.
Table of Contents
Oroonoko
Summary of key ideas
Heartbreaking Tale of Love and Betrayal
Our journey with Oroonoko begins in the exotic land of Coramantien, West Africa, where the hero, a prince known as Oroonoko, lives. Oroonoko is a brave and virtuous youth who falls madly in love with the beautiful Imoinda, his childhood companion. Unfortunately, the King, Oroonoko's grandfather, also desires Imoinda and claims her as one of his wives. This action sparks a series of tragic events that lead Oroonoko onto a path of rebellion and heartache.
Unable to bear the separation, Oroonoko secretly reunites with Imoinda and consummates their love. When the King discovers their affair, he sells Imoinda into slavery. Oroonoko, believing that his beloved is dead, allows himself to be tricked and captured by a slave trader who sails him across the ocean to a plantation in Suriname, South America.
Bondage and Reunion
Upon arrival in the New World, our hero is dubbed "Caesar." Oroonoko becomes a respected figure in the plantation due to his regal demeanor and vast knowledge. The plantation owner, Trefry, treats Oroonoko with kindness, promised his freedom and an army to reclaim his African kingdom. During his time on the plantation, a fortuitous turn of events leads to a reunion with his beloved Imoinda, now known as Clemene. They marry and conceive a child, igniting hope in their enslaved circumstances.
Unfortunately, promise of freedom proves to be empty, and their renewed happiness is short-lived. Oroonoko becomes impatient for his liberty and leads a slave revolt. The uprising, however, is quickly quelled, and Oroonoko is brutally punished, effectively disarming the rebellion.
Cruelty and Acceptance of Fate
Even in such dire straits, Oroonoko refuses to give in. He escapes his captivity and reunites with Imoinda and their friends. Tragically, Oroonoko concludes that death is a preferable fate to more hardship. To spare her the cruelty of their captors, Oroonoko kills Imoinda in a state of intense sorrow before escaping into the wilderness.
Oroonoko's courageous fight against tyranny and the dying embers of rebellion have far-reaching consequences. His actions ignite interest amongst the English soldiers who hunt him down. Oroonoko doesn't resist capture, instead, he accepts his fate with steadfast courage.
End of a Hero
In a final act of defiance, Oroonoko demands a noble death - a request that falls on deaf ears as the soldiers punish him with a painful death. The narrative comes to a crushing conclusion as Oroonoko, the noble hero from an African kingdom, succumbs under the cruel hands of the oppressors in a foreign land.
Through Oroonoko, Aphra Behn not only narrates a heartbreaking tale of love and valor but also highlights the horrors of the slave trade, offering a scathing critique of colonial exploitation. In the end, Behn upholds Oroonoko’s character, courage, and love as testimony of his princely lineage and royal spirit, tragically stifled by the chains of slavery.
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What is Oroonoko about?
Oroonoko is a novel written by Aphra Behn that tells the tragic story of an African prince who is captured and sold into slavery in the English colony of Surinam. The book explores themes of race, colonialism, and the struggle for freedom, and is considered one of the earliest English novels to address these issues. It is a powerful and thought-provoking work that challenges the reader to confront the injustices of the time.
Oroonoko Review
Oroonoko (1688) by Aphra Behn is a captivating novel that is definitely worth reading. Here's why this book is special and interesting:
- This book offers a rare perspective on slavery and colonialism, shedding light on the complexities of power dynamics and the struggles faced by enslaved people.
- Through vivid descriptions and emotional depth, the story brings Oroonoko's journey to life, immersing readers in the harsh realities of the era.
- The themes of love, betrayal, and honor add layers of intrigue and suspense, keeping readers engaged throughout the narrative.
Who should read Oroonoko?
- Readers interested in exploring themes of identity, power, and colonialism
- Students of literature or history studying 17th-century literature or early colonialism
- Fans of historical fiction who enjoy immersive and character-driven narratives
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Oroonoko FAQs
What is the main message of Oroonoko?
The main message of Oroonoko is a powerful exploration of slavery, love, and the pursuit of freedom.
How long does it take to read Oroonoko?
The reading time for Oroonoko varies depending on the reader, but it typically takes several hours. The Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Oroonoko a good book? Is it worth reading?
Oroonoko is a captivating read that delves into themes of oppression and resilience. It is definitely worth your time.
Who is the author of Oroonoko?
The author of Oroonoko is Aphra Behn.
How many chapters are in Oroonoko?
Oroonoko has 8 chapters.
- Chapter 1 - The Royal Slave
- Chapter 2 - Slavery in Surinam
- Chapter 3 - Oroonoko as a Prince
- Chapter 4 - Oroonoko's Love for Imoinda
- Chapter 5 - Betrayal and Enslavement
- Chapter 6 - Imoinda's Suffering
- Chapter 7 - Oroonoko's Rebellion
- Chapter 8 - The Tragic End
How many pages are in Oroonoko?
Oroonoko contains approximately 90 pages.
When was Oroonoko published?
Oroonoko was published in 1688.
What to read after Oroonoko?
If you're wondering what to read next after Oroonoko, here are some recommendations we suggest:
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- The Innovator ’s Dilemma# by Clayton M. Christensen
- The War of Art by Steven Pressfield
- Creativity, Inc. by Ed Catmull with Amy Wallace
- Think Like a Freak by Steven D. Levitt and Stephen J. Dubner
- The Laws of Simplicity by John Maeda