Throughout history, humans have grappled with the issues of power and morality. They recognize that it is more complex than deciding what is good or evil. Oroonoko the Royal Slave is a narrative by Aphra behn that focuses on those in control and those under their authority. The reader can decipher the motivations of the Europeans who continue slavery, regardless how horrific it may be. Oroonoko, as a royal servant, has a contradictory position that creates a conflict between oppressors and oppressed. Oroonoko suffers from the tension created by the Europeans and their complex social structure. The struggle to balance power and ethics is particularly evident in Trefry’s and Aphra’s lives.
Trefry’s treatment of Oroonoko is a delicate balance. Trefry is impressed by Oroonoko’s intelligence. He befriends him and shows him “all the civilities that a man of such great character deserves” (2157). Trefry ignores Oroonoko’s different skin color, focusing instead on the character of Oroonoko. This allows Trefry to learn about Oroonoko’s plights. Trefry’s dominance is put aside to equalize Oroonoko and not alienate him. In his desperate desire to help Oroonoko he promises to reunite Oroonoko to his family. Trefry’s promise to Oroonoko is not something he can keep without serious consequences. Although Trefry makes friends with Oroonoko very quickly, he will never let go of his dominant position. Trefry gives Oroonoko a new name, a common practice with slaves. In this way, Oroonoko proves his royal status is not enough to save him. Trefry’s renaming Oroonoko Caesar not only strips Oroonoko of the royal name he has, but also takes away his personal identity. Caesar’s name also foreshadows Trefry’s ultimate betrayal. Trefry is torn in two by his indecision: One part of him believes Oroonoko should be free, while the other part reminds him of his loyalty to the system that holds Oroonoko hostage. Oroonoko gets tired of Trefry not fulfilling his promise to free her. Oroonoko’s frustration at Trefry’s failure to keep his word leads her to rebel, be tortured and die. Trefry can’t intervene when Oroonoko begins to fall apart (2178). Trefry cannot intervene because of the rigid socioeconomic structures of his culture. Even though he is aware that Oroonoko deserves to be freed, he simply can’t do it. Trefry is unable to free Oroonoko, because he must arbitrate between slaves who deserve freedom and those who should stay in captivity. Trefry is forced to sacrifice Oroonoko’s relationship in order to keep order in the complex system of his society. Trefry must sacrifice his relationship with Oroonoko in order to maintain order within his complex social system.
Aphra is a woman of high class who portrays a precarious and difficult role. Behn notices Oroonoko immediately because of his intellect and regal look. Behn writes that the most illustrious courts would not have produced an even braver man. This is because Oroonoko was a great example of both courage and intelligence. Behn does not always humanize Oroonoko, but she is more than willing to do so. Behn describes Oroonoko with a sparkling personality and his intelligence. This is in contrast to the demeaning and dismissal of Oroonoko based solely on his color. Behn recognizes Oroonoko’s uniqueness, but still tries to dominate him by forcing her ideals onto him. Behn will tell Oroonoko Christian myths to impose her Western culture. Behn tells Oroonoko Imoinda’s stories when Oroonoko won’t listen to Behn. Behn is only willing to follow Oroonoko in a certain way, but relays Oroonoko’s views to Imoinda. Imoinda has less power than Behn and therefore cannot refuse Behn. Behn accepts Oroonoko, but she doesn’t fully embrace his beliefs and ideals. Behn can’t help Oroonoko as he faces a grave threat and doesn’t know if he will be freed. This isn’t because she’s unwilling, but rather because she isn’t able to change his destiny. Behn, despite being a woman and a member of ‘the race,’ does not have the power to change Oroonoko’s fate. Aphra behn uses her ability to write in order to keep Oroonoko’s narrative alive since she cannot save Oroonoko’s death. Behn uses her ability to relate to the oppressed while also understanding the oppressor to help Oroonoko understand his inability to fight against injustice.
Oroonoko the Royal slave reveals how those in power acknowledge slavery’s moral flaws, but choose to ignore them and accept the system. Power can corrupt anyone, even innocents, and cause them to become passive bystanders. Trefry Behn strive to achieve a balanced society that balances freedom with restraint. The inability of justice to triumph over power shows that European society has serious flaws. Oroonoko is a man who accepts his death in order to live up to the ideals he holds. It is not as they appear. They may be puppets, slaves of an unjust system.
