Throughout Oronooko, particularly in this passage, Aphra Behn focuses on the identity of both specific characters, such as Oroonoko and Imoinda, and terms collectives, such as "Whites" and "Negroes". In this way he examines the various aspects of identity, in particular the personal and cultural one. Additionally, it highlights the distinctions between man and beast as they relate to human identity by exploring their respective definitions. Finally, Behn posits identity as a malleable concept, which changes with context and other external influences. According to the Oxford English Dictionary, identity is “who or what a person or thing is… a set of characteristics or description that distinguishes a person or thing.” thing from others." This latter definition implies that an individual must distinguish himself from the collective to possess an identity. According to this definition, Oroonoko is an individual with identity. In the passage the narrator associates him four times with the word "great", placing him above his fellow slaves and recalling an empirical ideal, Alexander the Great (51-53). The narrator further distances Oroonoko from the slaves by providing additional context. He reminds readers that Oroonoko does not live in the “Negro Houses,” especially since English males also consider him exceptional, capable of inciting revolt (52). Likewise, the indentured servants spy on him and no one else. Unlike others in her position, Oroonoko possesses the resources for a "great gift," including "Musick" (52). Here it shows some of its former greatness. When he deigns to eat among the other slaves, “Festival[s]”, reinforcing his greatness. However, as in his introduction, when the narrator claims his more European dimension...... middle of the paper......." Studies in the novel 4, n. 2(2002). doi: http:/ /www.questia.com/read/IGI-87780845.OED Online, sv “Black Friday”, last modified December 2013. Accessed 25 February 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry /282748? redirectedFrom=nero+friday. OED Online, sv “degenerate”. Last modified December 2013. Accessed 25 February 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/49054?rskey=1Z6IZt&result=1&isAdvan ced=false .OED Online, sv “identity”, Last modified December 2013. Accessed 25 February, 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/91004?redirectedFrom=identity. OED Online, sv “ignominy”. , Last modified December 2013. Accessed 25 February 2014. http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/91226?rskey=LjAI25&result=3&isAdva nced=false.OED Online, sv “misery,” Last modified December 2013. Accessed dated February 25, 2014.http://www.oed.com/view/Entry/119549?redirectedFrom=misery.