Oroonoko

The play, "Oroonoko" proceeds on two levels. There is a sub-plot involving the husband-hunting Welldon sisters. This part of the play is intended to be light and comic. The main plot involves "Oroonoko" who is a slave prince. Oroonoko is the son of the King of Angola. In his homeland, Oroonoko amassed his countrymen to be sold as slaves to the traders dealing in human bondage between Africa and South America. Tragically, and ironically, Oroonoko becomes a slave himself. The slave trader, Captain Driver, invites Oroonoko on his slave ship on the premise of giving him a tour. The Captain gets Oroonoko so drunk that he passes out. The Captain then puts the prince in shackles and chains. When he awakens, he learns that he is on his way to South America as a slave.

Oroonoko impresses his owners. He is eloquent and brave. He accepts his horrific...