Originally published in 1688, Aphra Behn's breakthrough novel Oronooko remains a rich artifact for decoding the context and era in which it was written. When Oroonoko was first published, the basic concept of the novel as a writing technique was still in its early experimental stages. Aphra Behn, however, through countless stylistic techniques and intertwining patterns, seamlessly wrote one of the first and most important novels of all time. This essay will elaborate on such stylistic traits and patterns and further the reader's understanding of not only the novel, but also what Oroonoko actually said about the culture of the time period. This essay will achieve these goals by performing a close reading of a passage from Oroonoko that begins, “It was so, for some time we distracted him.” The passage which then ends with "But if there were a woman among them so degenerate from love and virtue as to choose slavery before pursuing her husband, and at the risk of her life, to share with him his fortunes, that such a woman should be abandoned and left prey to the common enemy." First, this essay will illustrate the stylistic techniques used by Behn to promote his perspectives. Second, this essay will enhance the reader's understanding by describing the thematic repetitions in the. Behn's work such as gender roles, class, and colonialism in the 17th century. Finally, this essay will provide further details on what Oroonoko said about the context in which it was written Behn is very unique and each sentence serves the novel in a different way that Behn uses regarding the style of his novel is the narrator's voice...... half of the paper period of time. In the 17th century, class and superiority were strongly intertwined with race and color. In conclusion, when looking at the context of Oroonoko, the themes of gender inequality, class, and colonialism are all extremely pertinent to the country's culture and society. 17th century. All three of these themes are also intertwined with each other. Oroonoko provides a refreshing perspective beyond many 17th century novels. Rather than defend the English who had deceived Oroonoko, Behn tells the story from the point of view of Oroonoko and Imoinda. Works Cited Aphra Behn, Oroonoko, The Rover, and Other Works, (London: the Penguin Group, 1992), 75-141. Corrinne Harol, "The Passion of Oroonoko: Passive Obedience, the Royal Slave, and Aphra Behn's Baroque Realism.", Journal of English Literary History, 79:2 (2012), 447-75