Indeed, what separates regular men, like Aboan, from exceptional men, like Oroonoko, is that the average Coramantien recognizes that at times he must do things half-heartedly-like Aboan sleeping with Onahal in exchange for political favors-but also is able rise to the occasion and demonstrate his heroism when he can, such as when Aboan leads the troops in a losing battle. In Coramantien, honor is a relatively well-understood principle and is highly regarded amongst the men-even by those like the King, who has no honor left and abuse those that do.

Regardless of location, Oroonoko’s particular understanding of honor is predicated on a refusal to compromise, which leads to varying outcomes, depending on whether those around him value honor as well. Through the plot, the narrator examines the sustainability of Oroonoko’s all-or-nothing approach to honor (in Coramantien and Suriname) and how these notions of honor set him up for his disastrous end. It is drilled into him from the strict customs of Coramantien and he stays true to its principles even up to his gruesome death, which he bravely embraces.

Honor is even the overarching theme of Oroonoko’s life. Of all Oroonoko’s traits, his sense of honor, of knowing what is right and just, makes him most similar to Classical Roman and Greek heroes and renders him most admirable and familiar to a Western audience.

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