The Mid-1600's

The primary action of the narrative is set in the mid-1600's at a time when British colonialism was arguably at its peak, both in terms of amount that was taking place and its destructive qualities. Those qualities are vividly portrayed, perhaps even exemplified, in the destructive treatment and attitudes experienced by Oroonoko and the other slaves in this story.

Coramantien

Coramantien is the name of the South American kingdom in which most of the first third of the novel takes place. Now known as Ghana, the country is small, warlike, and ruled by a selfish, corrupt king.

The King's Court

The court of the King of Coramantien is the more specific setting for much of the story's action - most significantly, of Oroonoko's repeated and increasingly desperate attempts to be with his beloved, Imoinda. An important part of the King's Court is The Otan, where...