Oroonobe's Things Fall Apart

Word count: 1039

Short Paper 1: Oroonoko In the novel, Oroonoko, there are many themes and messages that the author is trying to get across. Among these messages are ideas of honor, slavery, hierarchy, religion, love and loss. Throughout this book, it is evident that Oroonoko is a man who is loved and respected by many, including people from rivaling countries who became acquainted with him. He carries himself with honor and nobility, which enables him to think through his decisions carefully and strategically. In almost every situation that Oroonoko has had to face, his actions have been motivated by what he feels in his heart, thus making the statement that love is and should be the most powerful motivator. This is proven throughout
He also has love for the men he leads in the military, and, in return, his men love him back. This mutual respect and love is most evident is the scene where Oroonoko and his army were taken captive on a boat, on their way to be sold into slavery. Oroonoko was so infuriated by the Frenchman’s betrayal and because of his depression about losing Imoinda that he, “resolved to perish for want of food; and pleased at last with that thought, and toiled and tired by rage and indignation, he laid himself down, and sullenly resolved upon dying…”(140). Because he still thought Imoinda was dead, he would have rather died than be sold into slavery, thus proving love’s dominating power. In addition, his army had refused all manner of sustenance, in order to ensure their prince’s safety. Although Oroonoko would rather die so that he could be with his beloved Imoinda, he agreed to see his men because he did not want them to starve themselves because him. Once the men saw him, they “were transported with excess joy at the sight of their darling prince; falling at his feet, and kissing and embracing him”(148). In response, his army “assured him, they could not suffer enough, when it was for his repose and safety. After this, they no longer refused to eat, but took what was brought ‘em, and were pleased with their captivity, since by it they hoped to redeem the prince”(148). His army became accepting of their fate because of their love and
In Oroonoko’s culture, “when a man finds any occasion to quit his wife, if he love her, she dies by his hand; if not, he sells her, or suffers some other to kill her”(281). Because his love for her was so powerful, he “took her up, and embracing of her with all the passion and languishment of a dying lover, drew his knife to kill this treasure of his soul, this pleasure of his eyes”(281). While he sat there broken-hearted, Imoinda was “smiling with joy she should die by so noble a hand, and be sent into her own country by him she so tenderly loved, and so truly adored in this life”(281). What this passage is proving to us is that the decision to sacrifice her was heavily motivated by his overwhelming love for her and their child. If he had not killed her himself, he would leave her to die by another’s hand, which would have disgraced her. His powerful love for Imoinda was the most important motivation he