fact that she is writing a book. She presents the colony as one full of contradictions: educated or untrustworthy Europeans; innocent or dangerous natives; and a 'Royal Slave'. The narrator's own evasion of responsibility and shifting allegiances reflect in microcosm the hypocracy and ambiguities of the society created by the colonists. The participation of Aphra Behn's unreliable narrator within the power structures of Surinam, when placed alongside her involvement with Oroonoko, highlight contradictions implicit within the text. Using her power as an author Behn is able to subtly raise questions about the dominant ideology. At a more conventional level she has the power to decide how the characters involved (including her 'self' as narrator) are remembered, and to make the tragic names of Oroonoko and Imoinda live on. Thus died this great man, worthy of a better fate, and a more sublime wit than mine to write his praise. Yet, I hope, the reputation of my pen is considerable enough to make his glorious name to survive to all ages, with that of the brave, the beautiful, and the constant Imoinda. (17)