Coromantien was a part of Africa, which in the seventeenth century was one of the chief resorts of the slave traders. Its king was a man of more than a hundred years old. Thirteen of his sons died in battle, and he had left for a successor one grandchild, called Oroonoko. He was sent into the field to be trained to war as soon as he could bear a bow. At the age of seventeen he became one of the bravest and most expert of captains. The old General, a father-like figure, who had trained Oroonoko in war, had left at his death his only daughter Imoinda, in which fell in love with Oroonoko. The only thing that held their love apart was Oroonoko's grandfather, the King.
             When he came back from war victorious, he became the object of admiration. His face was a perfect ebony and his eyes were the most awe-inspiring that could be seen and very piercing. "His face was not of that brown...but a perfect ebony...His eyes were the most awful that could be seen..." (Behn 1870-1871). He also spoke English and French with ease.
             When Oroonoko made his first visit to her, he was infinitely surprised at the beauty of this woman. The softness in her look and signs gained a conquest over his fierce heart. Oroonoko stayed not too long before he made a second visit and waited not much longer before he told her he adored her. He then vowed to Imoinda that she shall be the only woman in his life and she condescended to receive him as her husband. "...He made her vows she should be the only woman he would possess while he lived..." (1872).
             Unfortunately, it was necessary to obtain the consent of the King. At the report of Imoinda's beauty the King's heart felt new sparks of love. Quickly he sent to Imoinda the royal veil. In this country whoever receives the royal veil is for the King's use or else punishable by death. "He sends the lady he has a mind to honor with his bed a veil, with whic...