34 pages 1 hour read

Aphra Behn

Oroonoko

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1688

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Section 4Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Section 4 Summary: Oroonoko’s Rebellion

Trefry is delighted by Caesar and Clemene’s reunion and he goes to tell the narrator the good news. Having befriended Caesar and having his story confirmed by his friend, the French gentleman, she has already promised Caesar his freedom as soon as the new Lord Governor arrives in the colony. She later reveals herself to be the daughter of the previous Lord General of Surinam, who died at sea.

From that day, everyone treats Clemene with increased respect and the two lovers live together as man and wife. When Clemene becomes pregnant, Caesar becomes increasingly impatient for his freedom and begins to suspect that the English intend to play another trick on him. He is particularly conscious of the fact that should Clemene give birth before they are freed, their child will be born a slave. Caesar’s increasing restlessness is a cause for concern among the English settlers; they worry that Caesar might use his influence over the other slaves to incite a rebellion. 

The narrator, whom Caesar respects and admires, tries to reassure him. She tells us that because he couldn’t drink alcohol, he came to prefer that company of women and the two of them spent many hours discussing the Romans, although she could not convert him to Christianity.

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By Aphra Behn