British Early Modern Novel - Oroonoko; Or, The Royal Slave - Aphra Behn

Question 1

And these people represented to me an absolute idea of the first state of innocence, before man knew how to sin

Answer 1

Behn describing the natives

Question 2

His face was not that of rusty black which most of that nation are, but of perfect ebony, or polished jet. His eyes were the most awful that could be seen, and very piercing; the white of ‘‘em being like snow, as were his teeth. His nose was rising and Roman, instead of African and flat. His mouth the finest shaped that could be seen; far from those great turned lips which are so natural to the rest of the negroes. The whole proportion and air of his face swaps no nobly and exactly formed that, bating his color, there could be nothing in nature more beautiful, agreeable, and handsome.

Answer 2

Behn describing Oroonoko

Question 3

Farewell, Sir, ‘tis worth my sufferings to gain so true a knowledge both of you and of your gods by who you swear

Answer 3

Oroonoko

Question 4

Thus died this great man, worthy of a better fate, and a more sublime wit than mine to write his praise: yet, I hope, the reputation of my pen is considerable enough to make his glorious name to survive all the ages, which that of the brave, the beautiful, and the constant Imoinda

Answer 4

Behn - Oroonoko being executed