Originally published in 1688, Aphra Behn's groundbreaking novel Oronooko remains a rich artifact for decoding the context and era in which it was written. When Oroonoko was first published, the basic concept of the novel as a writing technique was still in its early experimental stages. Aphra Behn, however, through countless stylistic techniques and intertwining motifs, seamlessly wrote one of the oldest and most important novels of all time. This essay will expand on these stylistic traits and patterns and deepen the reader's understanding of not only the novel, but also what Oroonoko actually said about the culture of the time. This essay will accomplish these tasks by performing a close reading of a passage from Oroonoko beginning, “Thus for some time we turned away from him.” The passage then ends with "But if there were among them a woman so degenerate in love and virtue as to choose slavery before pursuing her husband, and at the risk of her life, to share with him her fortune , that such a woman must be abandoned and left prey to the common enemy First, this essay will illustrate the stylistic techniques used by Behn to further his perspectives. Second, this essay will enhance the reader's understanding by describing the thematic repetitions in. Behn's work, such as the roles of gender, class, and colonialism in the 17th century. Finally, this essay will provide more detail on what Oroonoko says about the context in which it was written. Oroonoko, we can say that Behn's phrasing is very particular and each sentence serves the novel in a different way. An interesting concept that Behn uses regarding the style of his novel is the voice of the narrator Havin..... . middle of paper ...... this period. In the 17th century, class and superiority were closely linked to race and color. In conclusion, when looking at the context of Oroonoko, the themes of gender inequality, class, and colonialism are all extremely relevant to the country's culture and society. 17th century. These three themes are also closely related to each other. Oroonoko offers a refreshing perspective outside of many 17th century novels. Rather than defending the British who had deceived Oroonoko, Behn tells the story from Oroonoko and Imoinda's point of view. Works Cited Aphra Behn, Oroonoko, The Rover, and Other Works, (London: the Penguin Group, 1992), 75-141. Corrinne Harol, “The Passion of Oroonoko: Passive Obedience, the Royal Slave, and the Baroque Realism of Aphra Behn.” », Journal of English Literary History, 79:2 (2012), 447-75