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Aphra Behn, a prolific female playwright and author during the Restoration period in English history, emerged as a staunch supporter of monarchy. Her notable work, '_Oroonoko_,' subtly hints at the separation of royalty from the rest of society, emphasizing a natural order of rank. Although Behn's early years remain enigmatic, evidence points to a Catholic upbringing. Paradoxically, her analysis of religion in '_Oroonoko_' suggests a critical perspective on its constraining role in society, a topic we will delve into later.
François-Marie Arouet, also known as Voltaire, a luminary of the French Enlightenment, ardently championed civil liberties, including freedom of religion, expression, free trade, and the separation of church and state.
His satirical philosophical tale, '_Candide or Optimism_,' provides profound insights into his wit and a scathing critique of prevailing societal norms, as we will explore in detail.
The analysis begins with a meticulous examination of a passage from '_Oroonoko_,' specifically on page 11, vividly portraying the "Indian" natives of Surinam.
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Behn's description accentuates their extreme modesty, bashfulness, and a peculiar innocence that draws parallels with biblical narratives, creating a symbolic connection to Adam and Eve in the Garden of Eden. The narrative structure, employing vocalization, intensifies the emotional depth of the natives' relationships.
Behn contends that the natives' way of life, untouched by religious constraints, embodies a natural harmony, presenting a stark contrast to the disruptions caused by religion in European societies. She boldly asserts, 'Nature is the most harmless, inoffensive, and virtuous mistress,' suggesting that the imposition of religion would disturb the tranquility they enjoy through ignorance.
However, a closer examination reveals Behn's potentially hierarchical view, hinting at a detachment of the natives from Christian-European culture.
The natives' perception of the English governor as a liar and their limited understanding of his absence implies a certain level of naivety, raising questions about the acceptability and necessity of colonization for their development.
Behn's narrative, while celebrating the natives' innocence, inadvertently depicts them as passive beings. The hyperbolic tone she employs in romanticizing their simplicity risks oversimplification and potentially reinforces colonial-era stereotypes. Despite her intention to present the natives in a positive light, the portrayal may inadvertently contribute to a skewed perception, emphasizing their otherness.
The inclusion of biblical perspectives and religious connotations further adds complexity to Behn's portrayal of the natives. Drawing parallels between the natives and Adam and Eve before the fall, she constructs an idyllic image of their existence in the jungle of Surinam. However, the subtle implication of a lack of curiosity and novelty raises concerns about potential rank detachment, further separating the natives from the Christian-European cultural milieu.
At the conclusion of the text, Behn intensifies the separation between the natives and the colonists during a meeting with the Governor. The natives, misinterpreting the Governor's absence, brand him a liar and guilty of infamy. While Behn interprets this as 'native justice,' it simultaneously implies a limitation in the natives' understanding, subtly suggesting that colonization may be acceptable, even necessary, for their intellectual and cultural development.
Expanding our exploration, it's essential to consider the broader historical context in which Behn crafted '_Oroonoko_.' The Restoration period was marked by significant political and social upheavals, and Behn's work reflects not only her personal beliefs but also the prevailing sentiments of the era. The emergence of colonial powers and the expansion of European influence fueled debates on hierarchy, power dynamics, and the justification of colonial endeavors.
Turning our attention to '_Candide_,' the selected excerpt from pages 40 to 42 unfolds a scene in the Jungle of Orillion, highlighting Voltaire's satirical prowess. The Orillians' depiction as savage natives captures Voltaire's ironic tone, especially considering his own Jesuit education. The omniscient narrator's presentation of the Orillians' words adds a layer of vicious humor to the narrative.
The philosophical theme of optimism permeates Candide's musings, contrasting with the dire situation of being captured by the Orillians. Notably, Cacambo's ability to reason with the Orillians challenges the notion of cultural superiority, portraying them not as inferior beings but as individuals open to rational discourse. Voltaire emphasizes the universality of human nature, bridging the gap between European and native cultures.
The release of Candide and Cacambo, accompanied by the Orillians' civility, challenges stereotypes associated with native populations. Voltaire's portrayal underscores the idea that civility exists across cultures, irrespective of geographical and cultural differences, challenging the prevailing prejudices of the time.
Voltaire's commentary on optimism extends beyond the individual and explores the broader societal impact. Through Candide's experiences and encounters, Voltaire critiques the prevailing notion that 'whatever IS, IS RIGHT,' as posited by Leibniz. The Orillians' civility, despite their initial portrayal as savages, serves as a counterpoint, questioning the legitimacy of cultural hierarchies and challenging the Eurocentric worldview.
Expanding our analysis, it's imperative to situate '_Candide_' within the Enlightenment context. Voltaire's work emerges as a response to the optimism propagated by Leibniz, challenging the belief that the world is inherently good. The Enlightenment, characterized by intellectual curiosity and a quest for knowledge, spurred debates on reason, morality, and the impact of European expansion on non-European cultures.
Comparing '_Oroonoko_' and '_Candide_,' both works grapple with the themes of colonization and exploration. Behn's perspective, supporting colonization for financial gain, positions the natives as a secondary species to European colonists, fostering the idea of slavery as a means to an end. '_Candide_,' on the other hand, paints a complex picture of cultures in conflict, portraying colonization as a greedy imposition of one culture upon another.
Behn's demeaning portrayal of the natives contrasts with Voltaire's egalitarian view, where reason and enlightenment serve as tools for human progress. Both authors agree on the man-made construct of religion being difficult and dangerous to impose on other cultures, yet Behn's perspective on the natives remains condescending, while Voltaire emphasizes equality.
Despite Behn and Voltaire presenting distinct viewpoints, both '_Oroonoko_' and '_Candide_' offer nuanced insights into the multifaceted issues of slavery and humanity's plight. Behn's work, with its celebration of innocence and inadvertent perpetuation of stereotypes, serves as a reflection of the societal norms of her time. Voltaire, through the satirical lens of '_Candide_,' challenges these norms, promoting a more egalitarian perspective that transcends cultural boundaries.
In conclusion, '_Oroonoko_' and '_Candide_' offer diverse and intricate arguments on slavery and humanity's plight. The enduring relevance of these works attests to their significance in understanding historical attitudes and cultural dynamics. Despite the contrasting viewpoints of Behn and Voltaire, their literary legacies endure as vital reflections of the times in which they were penned, continuing to shape discussions on colonization and societal norms.
As we reflect on these literary masterpieces, it becomes apparent that the exploration of colonization and its implications transcends the specific historical contexts of the Restoration period and the Enlightenment. The questions raised by Behn and Voltaire about power, morality, and cultural exchange remain relevant in contemporary discussions on global affairs and intercultural relations.
Colonial Perspectives: Oroonoko vs. Candide. (2016, Aug 06). Retrieved from https://studymoose.com/aphra-bhens-oroonoko-the-royal-slave-and-candide-or-optimism-essay
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