Okonkwo

Essay #1

In life and in literature, love and passion often drive a man to succeed. The drive was often led by a passionate cause, such as a woman. With this passion, a man could defy all obstacles and continue to survive based on hope. In Aphra Behn's Oroonoko, this was no different. Oroonoko's motivation to thrive on and survive was his love and enthusiasm for Imoinda. The main test of his endurance was when Oroonoko lost his wife to the king, and he became a slave. Oroonoko was a slave trader, but he ended up as a slave himself aboard an English ship in Guiana. Not only he did lose his beloved wife, but he also lost his freedom in life. This was detrimental for Oroonoko. However, he pushed on and did not give up. He could have ended all his pain and suffering by committing suicide. However, he braved his experiences and endured the pain and suffering. His main drive to succeed was his determination to find and regain Imoinda.

There were many tests of Oroonoko's devotion towards Imoinda. Although his grandfather raped Imoinda, Oroonoko still loved her and considered her pure and beautiful. This demonstrated that he would not give up his deep love so easily because she was tainted. This revealed his everlasting love towards Imoinda. When Oroonoko was told about Imoinda's supposed death, Oroonoko was sad but he stayed true and could not love another women. Oroonoko remained loyal and had an undying passion towards Imoinda. It was an emotion that would stand the test of time and continue on even after her death.

In Guiana, Oroonoko is reunited with Imoinda. This was the defining moment that Oroonoko had struggled and endured all his pain and suffering for. He now had his chance to reunite with Imoinda. At this point, he was ecstatic. He was extremely happy that he has found his love, the main reason that had kept him strong and alive. Therefore, his compelling passion paid off in the end. Oroonoko's determination gave him the result he wanted in the end. He had regained his love for his Imoinda.

This was why Aphra Behn classified Oroonoko as the "royal slave." Oroonoko had such a great passion for Imoinda. He would not be deterred or stray away from this love. Thus, he kept his focus, and this allowed him to continue to survive. His love for Imoinda was the one significant thing that gave him the strength to move on. All