Video: 1:30-3:05
“He begged Trefry to give him something more befitting a slave, which he did, and took off his robes: nevertheless he shone through all, and his osenbrigs…could not conceal the graces of his looks and mein; he had no less admirers than when he had his dazzling habit on: the royal youth appeared in spite of the slave, the people could not help treating him in a different manner, without designing it. As soon as they approached him, they venerated and insinuated it into every soul. So that there was nothing talked of but this young and gallant slave, even by those who yet knew not that he was a prince. “(28)
If one is among a group of people, wearing the same clothes and with similar features, they would blend in. There would not be any difference between them to call someone more “royal” or of a higher status. When Prince Oroonoko was among the slaves, he was wearing the same clothing as them. Even though he tried his best to be one of them, he gave off a sense of authority. Even those who didn’t know he was a prince, they treated him with veneration. Some people are born with a royal appearance and others give off the sense of power. Oroonoko was one of them. Even if someone is not dressed like a ruler, they are still given the power of authority. This goes against a democratic society. Through the character of Prince Oroonoko, the author shows that some people are meant to be in power and rule.
In the video, the commentator mentions how beauty is a big signifier of his royal designation. This is true in that a ruler needs to be put together well in order for people to think of him as a higher power. Even though Oroonoko was dressed like a slave, he still stood out. He had certain features that a ruler has. The man in the video describes Oroonoko as “beautiful, great, and roman looking”. He is referred to as a “manly man”. The lady who wrote Oroonoko defames the looks of the African Americans in the story so there was no social justice here. Oroonoko’s admirers did not decrease when he was dressed like a slave. The author says even without his “dazzling habit”, people still venerated him. This shows how appearances are important and beauty is one of the requirements for royalty.