|
|
Post by Tick on Jul 12, 2011 0:16:14 GMT -5
I've just started a Restoration and 18th Century Literature paper and I'm lost on even understanding what's going on in the literature I'm studying. Anyone have any clues on John Dryden "Absalom and Achitophel" and Behn's "Oroonoko"?
|
|
|
|
Post by johnnybb on Jul 12, 2011 10:45:26 GMT -5
I love Oroonoko. I always thought it was a pretty excellent, somewhat ahead of its time (though not in every way) critique of colonialism and slavery.
Though I'm not sure what you mean by "what's going on." Its pretty badass how Oroonoko just sits there smoking his pipe while they disembowel him. I think there is a pretty good critique on how slavery is hypocritical in a Christian society. I think my favorite line of the book is when Oroonoko says:
"Farewell, Sir, 'tis worth my sufferings to gain so true a knowledge both of you and of your gods by whom you swear."
The woman's perspective the novel offers might also be an avenue worth exploring. The world of women in the colonial atmosphere vs. the role of men in that atmosphere, something like that.
|
|
