Oroonoko: An Authoritative Text, Historical Backgrounds, Criticism | Themes

Oroonoko: An Authoritative Text, Historical Backgrounds, Criticism Themes

Betrayal/Deception

"Oroonoko" the drama begins on a light note with the story of Charlotte and Lucy Welldon. The Welldon sisters have given up on husband-hunting in their birthplace, London, England. They speak of rejection and ridicule by the young men there. They wear masks in London to present themselves as different women but to no avail; this is the first hint that they are not above deceiving people to get what they want. Charlotte ups the deception ante when the sisters travel to Surinam, West Indies, for a fresh start. Presumably, women could not purchase land in that country. To counter this barrier, Charlotte poses as a young man, Lucy's cousin. The ruse presents a whole new set of problems when an old, rich widow—Mrs. Lackitt—shows a romantic interest in Charlotte whom she thinks is a young man. Charlotte plays along and even "marries" Lackitt. She arranges for a man,...
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