The Meanings of Oriental Masquerade in T.E. Lawrence¹s Arabian Ventures - FINAL REVISED MS with PICTURES.pdf (1005.64 kB)
The meanings of oriental masquerade in T.E. Lawrence’s Arabian ventures
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’.
History
Publication status
- Published
File Version
- Accepted version
Journal
British Journal of Middle Eastern StudiesISSN
1353-0194Publisher
Taylor & FrancisExternal DOI
Issue
1Volume
44Page range
110-129Department affiliated with
- English Publications
Full text available
- Yes
Peer reviewed?
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2016-05-27First Open Access (FOA) Date
2016-05-31First Compliant Deposit (FCD) Date
2016-05-27Usage metrics
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