The years of slavery are often isolated as a specified time period within the history of England, and the United States. In studying this these years, well known narrative accounts or exceptional stories survey as historical pillars. However, when looking closely at the habitual mundane items produced during this era in history, in relation to the Exceptional accounts, we can better understand the social norms, and practices during this time. When placing Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko, alongside an advertisement titled “Run Away”, we can see the importance a name can have and the power that can be lost or obtained within a particular name.
Four names are features on the digital image labeled “Run Away”. This image is actually an advertisement. We can assume that this ad was placed in a local newspaper of a neighborhood in New York during the year 1763. This ad may have also been a flyer placed along the streets of the town in local places. On the left-hand corner, there is a sketch, of a person in motion. Do to the deep grooves of the lines, this image would most likely have been etched, and used f to make prints. We know that the figure is drawn to represent an African American because the face of the figure is shaded in, whereas the clothing is not. There is a tree in the background, who’s trunk is also shaded in. We can assume that the person in the picture is running always due to the fact he is drawn in motion. This age was probably created to capture the attention of a passerby or of the reader. The Advertisement then describes the for men they are looking for and the names they are known by.
LESTER, about 40 years of age had on a white flannel jacket, and draws duck trousers and home spun shirt, CEASER, about 18 years of age, clothed in the same Manner. ISAAIC aged 17 years clothed in same Manner, except that his Breeches are leather; and MINGO15 years of age, with the same clothing as the 2 first. All of them of a middling size, whoever deliver either of the said negros to the subscriber, shall receive TWENTY SHILLINGS reward for each besides reasonable charge.
The names of the 4 men are all different. One being religious and the others seem common, however, Ceasar is a very powerful name. This name happens to be the name given to the main protagonist in Aphra Behn’s novella.
The Story of Oroonoko is about a young African prince, who after losing the love of his life to a jealous king/ father is banished. He is then tricked into being captured by a captain in which he himself had sold his own people to. Once he arrives in America as A salve he is still recognized as royalty. It is because of this honor we believe his owner renames him, Caesar. However, the advertisement reveals that Ceasar may have been a common name given to slaves during this time, but why? Several reasons could be found by analyzing the text deeper.
The narrator suggests religion is one of the factors in renaming the great prince. She states, “Christians never buy any slaves but they give ‘em some Name of their own,” (Behn 40). The narrator is suggesting that Christian never buy slaves, but perhaps the renaming of them is seen as a rebirth into society to people who identify as Christians during this time. In the act or renaming another human being, they now become responsible for them. Traditionally biblical names such as Mary or Isaac are given to enslaved persons. We know this to be true because the advertisements “Run Away “also features the name, Isaac. Yet, the history behind the biblical name of Caesar is one in the same for the well-known Roman Emperor Augustus Ceasar. Perhaps this is another
factor in the importance of Caesar as a name.
Naming someone who is enslaved and forced to be of service and labor of other, after an imperial ruler could be analyzed as a technique of separation. The name highlighting their strength, physically, and, or mentally. In the advertisement, it stated that the man name Caesar has a similar built to the other men mentioned. They are of a medium built, therefore we know that the return of these men are important to the owner because they are physically fit, and due to the known history of this institution, strong men were a commodity. We can assume, this man was named Caesar because he stands apart from the others in some way. This is the case for the story’s main character. Before having been given his name, the narrator states the ways Mr. Trefry view the young prince. It reads, “And people could not help treating him after a different manner, without designing it. As soon as they approached him, they venerated and esteemed him; his eyes insensibly commanded respect, and his behavior insinuated in every soul” (Behn 39). As we see in the novel, Oroonoko is constantly described as an other. The author utilizes imagery to reinforce how uncommon the protagonist is, compared to the other people of his nation. His regal manner separates him and is represented through the selection of his name.
The reader can assume that the royal stature and affection from the narrator also play a role in Ornooko’s new name. While we note the greatness that comes with the name, having been made famous by a Ruler, it is just as important to recognize the fate of this person. Having died a legendary way. This name and all its history may serve as the literary device, foreshadowing the fate for the main character in the novella. The narrator eludes to this by stating how the slave’s name, “will live in that country as long as that (scarce more) glorious one of the great Roman: for ‘tis most evident he wanted no part of the personal courage of that Caesar,” (Behn 40). The text is subtilty hinting at the fall of the Roman leader, and how Mr. Trefry did not intend for this man to share the same fate as his namesake. We later find out that much like the Roman leader, this Caesar is “backstabbed” and betrayed by the character named Byam, who promises him his and his wife’s freedom, yet never delivers.
Through this text we can better understand why people may have chosen specific names for their slaves, however historically we know that calling someone by a name other than their given one, is a way of diminishing power from an individual. Within the ideologies of slavery, it is believed that names were changed for this very reason, to strip the enslaved person of their identity, dehumanizing them by naming them in the way you would name a pet. Aphra Behn reveals the power that can be held within a name. However, she also highlights that some power remains within the person and there for a strong name like Caesar can be given to them to help others realize within the new cultural setting, their demeanor. She highlights this not only through her renaming of the prince but the name was chosen for his beloved. The question remains would a king, by any other name, not act like a king? Does this name have the same meaning for the Runaway slave as it did for Aphra Behn’s Oroonoko in making his Greatness know, or is it simply an ego trip for someone to rule over a man named Caesar?
Work Cited
Behn, Aphra. Oroonoko, edited by Janet Todd, Penguin, 2004.
Schomburg Center for Research in Black Culture, Photographs and Prints Division, The New York Public Library. “Runaway slave advertisement” The New York Public Library Digital Collections. 1763.
http://digitalcollections.nypl.org/items/510d47db-bd19-a3d9-e040-e00a18064a99
