Aphra Behn's novel, Oroonoko, gives a very different perspective on the narrative of slavery. Its characters embody various characteristics not typically attributed to these genders and races. The character of Imoinda represents both the modern feminist, as well as the subservient and mental characteristics of the typical 18th century English woman. Oroonoko becomes an embodiment of what is normally the white man's characteristic; he is the noble, princely, sympathetic character not usually attributed to black men in general in most novels about slavery. The completely opposite style of character is given to the slaveholders; the English are seen as barbaric, cunning and brutal characters who are usually portrayed in an opposite and more generous manner. Behn's romantic tragedy comes full circle, from Oroonoko fighting a war, falling in love and being enslaved, to Oroonoko in battle against her captors, to killing her love and dying in slavery. The character of Imoinda, like that of Oroonoko, is given in English. ideals of beauty and personality. Described as "the beautiful black Venus of Mars [of the Orinoco]" (9), Imoinda is ascribed the traits of the Roman white goddess and the virtues with which English women can identify. Her beauty, like that of Helen of Troy, is the cause of the entire ordeal and the eventual demise of our heroic Prince Oroonoko. Rather than dwell on any kind of inner qualities, such as that of her bravery and strength, Imoinda is reduced to magnificent eye candy for black and white men, regardless of their rank: from l the humblest slave to the white slaveholders and the governor. , as well as King Coramantien.Imoinda is a blend of Amazonian feminist strength, as well as a delicate English flower who is submissive to her hu...... middle of paper ......s, stands by and watched this, no one daring to save him or stop the long and inhumane way in which Oroonoko was being killed. Aphra Behn's Oroonoko depicts the slave in a new light, in a form intended to inspire the English reader to believe and sympathize with an otherwise inconspicuous subject. . She transforms her usually simple characters into great beings beyond English views and highlights a cruel and otherwise inhumane view of slavery. His courtly, loving portrayal of exotic African characters humanizes men and women who are meant to be seen only as workhorses in an age of greater indignity toward those with non-Christian beliefs. The love of Oroonoko and Imoinda becomes a tragedy of Romeo and Juliet as slaves, African and beautiful. Works CitedBehn, Aphra. Oroonoko or, The Royal Slave. A TRUE STORY. New York: WW Norton & Company, INC, 1973. Print.