T. E. Lawrence’s Misrepresentation of the Arabs in Seven Pillars of Wisdom

Abstract

Adopting postcolonial theory, this article investigates T. E. Lawrence's depiction of the Arabs in his Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926). I argue that Lawrence displays a Western colonial discourse in which he represents the Arabs as the silent uncivilized "Other." Part of this colonial discourse is Lawrence’s presentation of himself as superior, prophet, leader and inspirer of the Arab Revolt. Arab leaders and tribes are depicted, in Lawrence's discourse, as an inferior "Other" who need the English to help them achieve their independence. In addition, I argue that Lawrence’s negative representation of the Arabs is an ideology that justifies Western domination over the East. Lawrence’s misrepresentation addresses Arab feuds, nature and atmosphere, Arabic language, Arab costume, and religion.