Passage from Oroonoko on the Mistreatment of Slaves and their Loss of Identity

Passage from Oroonoko on the Mistreatment of Slaves and their Loss of Identity

slavery, sense of self

A passage from Oroonoko where Oroonoko gives a speech to a group of slaves, trying to inspire them to try to escape.

Aphra Behn

The Floating Press, 2009. ProQuest Ebook Central, http://ebookcentral.proquest.com/lib/gatech/detail.action?docID=445923.
Created from gatech on 2020-01-22 07:57:16.

1688

Abigail Blackmon

Oroonoko by Aphra Behn

English

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Caesar, having singled out these men from the women and children, made an harangue to 'em, of the miseries and ignominies of slavery; counting up all their toils and sufferings, under such loads, burdens, and drudgeries as were fitter for beasts than men; senseless brutes, than human souls. He told 'em, it was not for days, months, or years, but for eternity; there was no end to be of their misfortunes: they suffered not like men who might find a glory and fortitude in oppression; but like dogs, that loved the whip and bell, and fawned the more they were beaten: that they had lost the divine quality of men...

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