The Classic English Literature Podcast

Aphra Behn's Oroonoko: Blurring History and Romance


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In today's chinwag, we'll explore a candidate for the first novel in English by the first professional female writer in English: Oroonoko by Aphra Behn (1688).  It's the story of an African prince and his beloved, who are betrayed into slavery and do not live happily ever after.  The novel seems a modest heroic romance, but I think Ms. Behn has a more complex project up her sleeve . . . .

Full text of Oroonoko

https://pressbooks.library.torontomu.ca/oroonoko/chapter/the-history-of-the-royal-slave/

Additional music:

"James Bond Theme Song" from The Internet Archive

https://archive.org/details/tvtunes_6995

"Jeopardy Theme Think Music" from The Internet Archive

https://archive.org/details/tvtunes_29826

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Podcast Theme Music: "Rejoice" by G.F. Handel, perf. The Advent Chamber Orchestra
Subcast Theme Music: "Sons of the Brave" by Thomas Bidgood, perf. The Band of the Irish Guards
Sound effects and incidental music: Freesounds.org
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The Classic English Literature PodcastBy M. G. McDonough

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