Throughout Oronooko, particularly in this passage, Aphra Behn focuses on the identity of both specific characters, such as Oroonoko and Imoinda, and collective terms, such as “Whites”. and “Negroes”. It thus examines the different aspects of identity, particularly personal and cultural. Additionally, she highlights the distinctions between man and beast in relation to human identity by exploring their respective definitions. Finally, Behn posits identity as a malleable concept, which changes with context and other external influences. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, identity is “who or what a person or thing is…a set of characteristics or description that distinguishes a person or thing.” thing of others. This last definition implies that an individual must distinguish himself from the collective in order to have an identity. According to this definition, Oroonoko is an individual with an identity. In the passage, the narrator associates him four times with the word “great,” placing him above his fellow slaves and recalling an empirical ideal, Alexander the Great (51-53). The narrator further distances Oroonoko from the slaves by providing additional context. She reminds readers that Oroonoko does not live in “Negro Houses,” largely because even English men consider him an exceptional character, capable of inciting revolt (52). Likewise, the indentured servants spy on him and no one else. Unlike others in her position, Oroonoko has the resources for a “great treat,” including “Musick” (52). Here it displays some of its former grandeur. When he deigns to eat among the other slaves, he “feasts,” reinforcing his greatness. However, as in his introduction, when the narrator endorses his more European beliefs...... middle of article .......' Studies in the Novel 4, no. 2 (2002). doi: http://www.questia.com/read/IGI-87780845.OED Online, sv “Black Friday”, last modified December 2013. Accessed February 25, 2014. http://www.oed.com/ view/Entry /282748?redirectedFrom=black+friday. OED Online, sv “degenerate”. Last modified December 2013. Accessed February 25, 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/49054?rskey=1Z6IZt&result=1&isAdvan ced=false.OED Online, sv “identity”, Last modified December 2013. Accessed February 25. , 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/91004?redirectedFrom=identity. OED Online, sv “ignominy”, Last modified December 2013. Accessed February 25, 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/91226?rskey=LjAI25&result=3&isAdva nced=false.OED Online, sv “misery,” Last edited December 2013. Accessed February 25, 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/119549?redirectedFrom=misery.