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The Power Of Cultural Representations: Analyzing The Noble Savage Trope

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Recommended: Positive and negative effects of imperialism in terms of literature

Anna Niyosenga
ENGL 353
Professor Nick Hudson
April 18th, 2023

The Power of Cultural Representations:Analyzing the Noble Savage Trope in Eighteenth Century Literature
In eighteenth-century literature, non-European others were often portrayed as exotic and mysterious, using literary tropes such as the “noble savage” to romanticize and idealize their cultures. The “noble savage” trope in eighteenth-century literature is a concept that presents native inhabitants of the New World as both virtuous and heroic, yet still exotic and primitive. This trope varies in interpretation such as the romanticized ideal of the “noble savage” as a pure and innocent child of nature. Another one is more cynical as it portrays them as being uncivilized and savage …show more content…

Behn bestows all these great qualities upon Oronooko and it seems as if she describes him in this way against all men. Not only those of the same race as him. Additionally, she utters that “he had nothing of barbarity in his nature, but in all points addressed himself as if his education had been in some European court” (Behn 13). This statement is a perfect example of the “noble savage” trope that suggests that he possesses intelligence, wit, and bravery that is like none other, despite his supposed “barbarity”. This portrayal of Oroonoko possessing qualities that are highly valued in European Society signifies that he is not viewed as a “complete” other, but instead an idealized version of the non-European other. It can also suggest that the adoption of European ways can allow a non-European person to become that idealized version by achieving a level of civilization and respectability. In consequence, this notion can then be used to further justify colonialism and cultural domination. Seeing that Oronooko held a level of nobility that others within his race lacked contradicted this trope of a “noble savage” and meant that those who lacked the same qualities as Oronooko could achieve it through European education and assimilation. While Behn’s portrayal of Oroonoko as a “Noble Savage” can be viewed as progressive in its time, it is still limited to Behn’s biases and the cultural climate in which it was written. As mentioned, Oroonoko’s nobility is emphasized through his association with European culture which is a problematic aspect of this

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