The Vice Responsible for Oroonoko's Troubles in the Text

Explanation:

The vice that is responsible for all of Oroonoko's troubles and is constantly criticized in the text is cruelty. This cruelty is mainly embodied in the actions and nature of his enslavers. The narrative frequently focuses on the inhumane and brutal treatment that Oroonoko receives, which is a reflection on the brutal nature of slavery itself during the time. The author, Aphra Behn, uses Oroonoko's story to criticize and expose the inherent cruelty of the slave trade.

Throughout the text, Oroonoko is subjected to cruel and unjust treatment at the hands of those who enslave him. This cruelty extends beyond physical violence to include emotional and psychological abuse as well. Oroonoko's enslavers exploit his trust and manipulate him for their own selfish gain, further emphasizing the theme of cruelty.

The portrayal of cruelty in Oroonoko serves as a critique of the institution of slavery and the moral depravity it entails. By highlighting the inhumanity and brutality inflicted upon Oroonoko, Behn challenges the reader to confront the harsh realities of the slave trade and the ethical implications of such practices.

Oroonoko's ultimate downfall can be attributed to the pervasive cruelty that governs his world. The abuses he suffers and the injustices he endures are a direct result of the vice of cruelty that permeates the text. Through Oroonoko's story, Behn shines a light on the dark underbelly of slavery and calls attention to the inhumane treatment inflicted upon enslaved individuals.