Oroonoko
Description
Oroonoko, an African prince from Coramantien, is renowned for his beauty, courage, and eloquence. He falls in love with Imoinda, the daughter of a celebrated general. Their secret marriage is discovered by Oroonoko's grandfather, the king, who desires Imoinda for himself. In retaliation, the king sells Imoinda into slavery, falsely informing Oroonoko of her death. Devastated, Oroonoko continues his military service until he is deceived by an English slave trader, who transports him to the colony of Surinam. There, he is reunited with Imoinda, now named Clemene, and they live together as husband and wife. When Clemene becomes pregnant, Oroonoko grows increasingly restless, suspecting that the English intend to keep him enslaved. He leads a slave rebellion, but it is suppressed, and Oroonoko is captured and brutally whipped. Facing the prospect of his wife's continued suffering, Oroonoko kills Clemene at her own request and is subsequently executed.