T. E. Lawrence’s Stereotypical Representations of the Oriental in Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926)

Abstract

This dissertation examines the genre of travel literature in relation to the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, focusing on the concept of Orientalism in world literature. It explores how Western colonialism and imperialism have influenced perceptions and representations of the Arab world as oriental, using critical analysis and challenges posed by postcolonial theorists. The memoir Seven Pillars of Wisdom by T.E. Lawrence serves as the primary text for deconstructing various aspects of travel literature and uncovering underlying orientalist perspectives. The methodology employed involves a close textual analysis of Lawrence's Seven Pillars of Wisdom. Instances of Orientalist depictions and stereotypes, particularly in relation to the Arab Revolt, as well as Lawrence's interactions with Arab individuals, are identified. Postcolonial key concepts are used to critically analyse the text and shed light on the implications of orientalism within the memoir. The analysis resulted how Lawrence’s narrative contributes to the exoticization, romanticization, and essentialization of the Arab world. It also explores the complexities arising from Lawrence's own position as a British officer in the Arab Revolt, which both challenges and reinforces colonial power dynamics.