Nothing to Lose But Your Chains
The perspective of the author can massively influence his or her construction of narratives. This is evident especially in the construction of colonial-era literature. The stories as told by the whites are very different from the ones told by the blacks/slaves. Behn, in her piece that focuses on the rights of Africans tries to insinuate that Oroonoko was educated just like the whites, and he thus, looked more civilized. She even seems to imply that he enjoyed living in the white nations. On the other hand, Douglas shares a narrative that paints a very grim picture of the white traditions. He feels at logger's heads with the type of culture that would permit the proliferation of such inhumane practices. In the poem Little Black boy, Blake uses Christian ideal to question the conventions during the slavery era, bringing an interesting viewpoint. In Post-colonial criticism, Allen brings forth important points that can help project vital questions that can bolster one’s understanding on the varying depictions. On this basis, the varying accounts can be explained by the varying viewpoints in terms of the experience of the narrator as regards the issue at hand.
This assertion is first backed by some of the choices that the author’s make, particularly Behn. One interesting point that pops up in Brizee et al’s article is that history could possibly have been written from the standpoint of the victors. This can in a way explain the choices that Aphra makes in Oroonoko, that subject her to what one would call very intense criticism especially from the African standpoint (Behn). She reiterates that Oroonoko was more civilized in the European way. She seems to have taken the initiative of trying to sanitize the European name, even though all is clear that Europeans subjected Africans to untold suffering. The mere fact that proliferation of slavery was allowed is strong enough to rebuff any argument, but as one would expect from an author who is trying to show a bright side, one should not be surprised by her choices. This decision forms the basis of the need to read stories from one side, but come up with means of trying to explore all the possible angles. It is unfortunate to sort of insinuate that the African way would not have brought out the best out of Oroonoko. Aphra seems to in this narrative to paint some glory on what people from another standpoint would tell off very easily. One can even wonder as to the exact story she is telling especially when she starts to project the western civilization hints. Oroonoko seems a victim of circumstances and doesn’t have hands on his destiny rather situations have made him what he is. Given that he had no control over what was happening to him this implies that he held no joy with his situation. Indeed, the author’s perspective can influence the nature of storytelling.
Douglas’ Narrative can help create a clearer picture of the slavery, and justify the assertion that the author’s viewpoint can influence the nature of narration. In Post-Colonial Criticism, Allen et al. claim that seminal post-colonial writers, including Ngugi wa Thiong’o from Kenya, and Chinua Achebe from Nigeria narrate the devastating events, rather than praise them as in the case of Aphra Behn. Douglas, having being born in slavery, narrates of his experience. Considering that his father could most likely be his white master, one starts to get a very clear picture of the slavery ordeal. Slaves are always overworked, receive very few clothing articles, have no beds, and receive very little food. Many are times that the slaves are beaten for breaking rules, and not even breaking them. Douglas is surprised when Sophis expresses kindness to him as a slave. However, this is short-lived as she succumbs into slave owner’s mentality. Slaves are treated as commodities and can be traded depending on the situation. Douglas has to stage his escape from the harsh environment. This account is evidently very different from the one Aphra tries to project by implying that it could have informed Iroonoko’s brevity. It is an environment that is not conducive for any progressiveness, especially when it comes to slaves. It is a situation that no one would have wished to end up in. these are definitely competing for ways in understanding the life in Europe and US during the slave. It becomes very important for the readers to appreciate these confines as they significantly influence the nature of understanding. It would be prudent to explore all the possible standpoints and come up with an informed construct of the issue.
It is evident that particular aspects of the authors’ history influence the manner of narration that they put across. History stands as an important attribute, considering that there could have been other factors such as racial prejudices. Considering the background material in slave trade can help decipher this mystery. The poem The Little Black Boy is a plea for the abolition of slavery which can assist in understanding the issue (Blake). On the basis of the poet, slavery is very unfair and should be stopped to attain equality. Behn historical moment was clearly different from that of other authors. She is not affected by slavery but rather plays the role of an observer. She is not born in what one would call an ultimate predicament. She never gets to have the ultimate feel of the issue, an aspect that probably makes her come up with the notions she has. A real experience would have influenced her narrative in a different way. There is no positivity from what slavery did to the victims, and therefore an opinion that can try to induce some positive aspects needs close scrutiny. In Post-Colonial Criticism, Allen et al questions the influence of western history and literary canon in knowledge making. This can further explain why Behn’s viewpoint may vary from that of other authors. On the other hand, Douglas has been born in slavery and narrates an ordeal that he has been involved in. he talks about suffering that he is a victim. He is not partial but fully engaged in the issue. If he is narrating about the battles, Douglas has indeed been involved in them. He talks about the struggle he has to make to learn how to read and write, especially when his good boss ends up like other slave owners. He struggles many times to escape and is even sold to another owner (Douglass). He has to buy his freedom from this ordeal. This is not the same experience with slavery that Aphra has and probably explains why their viewpoints are very different. In this regard, there are particular aspects of the authors’ experience with slave trade and slavery that influence the manner in which they narrate their stories. Douglas has firsthand experience, while Behn does an observation. However, the two plays an important role in telling the story, and share important standpoints that one can use to fully comprehend the issue.
In conclusion, as Allen et al reveal, literature can vary depending on the narrator. This is why the perception of post-colonial critics is different from that of western writers. It calls for the introduction of a new lens to understand the issues. This issue is well reflected upon closely comparing the stories developed by authors during the times based on their experiences and perspectives. Iroonoko by Aphra Behn shares a very different viewpoint from The Narrative by Frederick Douglas. Behn seems to isolate some aspects of the western civilization, and then proceed to heap some praise on them. On the other hand, Douglas is intending on painting a picture of what he exactly went through as a child born of a slave. It becomes very important for one as a reader to understand the situation of the author in order to determine their inclination on certain issues. One would not get the picture of slavery as projected by Douglas on reading Behn’s narrative. Either way, the two share some important information that helps understand various issues. The viewpoint remains a very influential factor in the manner in which they project their issues and kind of priorities they make.
Works Cited
Allen, B., Case, T., Chernouski, L., & Boyle, E. (2015). Post-Colonial Criticism (1990s-present). Retrieved March 5, 2017, from Purdue OWL: https://owl.english.purdue.edu/owl/resource/722/10/
Behn, Aphra. Oroonoko. London: Penguin, 2003. Print.
Blake, William. The Little Black Boy
Douglass, Frederick. Narrative of the Life of Frederick Douglass. New York: Dover Publications, 1995. Print
