Here is a video commentary on Oroonoko:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-yKGhtYUFK4
As told in the video, there is tons of historical context connected to this great work. Although there is historical context, there is also conflict in the great work. During this time period, there was a push for equality of all people. This is awesome because before there were distinctions between the social classes, extreme racism, and terrible conditions of slavery. It is almost obvious that equality needs to soon arise. One side of the text thinks there should remain a distinction between the social classes while one side of the text thinks there should be fair equality amongst all men. It is interesting that one, single great work can have such a major conflict. Those that disagree with equality say that England, France and Prussia are all run by a king. Therefore, most people think that moving away from this hierarchy is dangerous. This is because they are extremely comfortable in their ways. Furthermore, in the text, there is a description of king. The descriptions were all positive. For those that do not believe in hierarchy, this positive description of a king is beneficial to them. Therefore, they conclude that such a great leader should not be a slave. Moreover, Oronoko is European and he is extremely honorable. He is held up on a major pedestal while other people are suffering from slavery. Because of all this, on side of the text is against equality. Many people think that the argument for equality in the text is extremely weak. They believe that the text could have included a couple of more proofs as to how people are suffering from slavery. Without those proofs, it is hard to push for equality amongst all men because there is no definitive issue at hand.