Alkabani, Feras (2016) The meanings of oriental masquerade in T.E. Lawrence’s Arabian ventures. British Journal of Middle Eastern Studies. pp. 1-20. ISSN 1353-0194

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Abstract

This article explores the changing trajectory of T.E. Lawrence’s interaction with the Arab East on the eve of modernity. It traces his pre-First World War scholarly interest in Levantine antiquities (his archaeological expeditions in Syria), through to his subsequent military engagement in the Arab Revolt (1916–1918). An analysis of Lawrence’s adoption of various forms of Middle-Eastern attire provides a narrative of the events that led to his metamorphosis from a passive scholar into an active soldier. The article examines the homoerotic strands in Lawrence’s assumption of Oriental disguise and highlights its metaphorical significance vis-à-vis the political marriage of British imperial interests and Arab nationalist ambitions in the Arab campaign. The article finally draws on the implications of the Anglo–Arab alliance and its impact on changing the region and altering the image of the ‘Unchanging East’.

Item Type:	Article
Schools and Departments:	School of English > English
Subjects:	D History General and Old World P Language and Literature > PN Literature (General) P Language and Literature > PR English literature > PR0125 Relations to other literatures and countries P Language and Literature > PR English literature > PR4000 19th century, 1770/1800-1890/1900 P Language and Literature > PR English literature > PR6000 1900-1960
Depositing User:	Feras Alkabani
Date Deposited:	27 May 2016 08:52
Last Modified:	26 Nov 2017 02:00
URI:	http://srodev.sussex.ac.uk/id/eprint/61176

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