The purpose of this present survey is to investigate features of Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism in William Beckford’s “Vathek”. It intends to examine how far Beckford’s novel reflects the standardization and cultural stereotyping that have helped to intensify the grasp of the imaginative demonology of the mysterious East (Said, 2003:26).
Therefore I will at first present an introduction of Said’s concept of Orientalism, in order to be able to distinguish features of Orientalism in Beckford’s novel in the main body of my term paper. The main focus will be on: Violence and evilness, homoeroticism, sensuality and religion.
The most important sources for my term paper are evidently Edward Said’s book “Orientalism”, which has been first published in 1978, and William Beckford’s novel “Vathek”(1786), which was originally written in French and translated into English by Reverent Samuel Henley (Khrisat, 2001: 192).
Even though many scholars seem to have studied Said’s notion of Orientalism in the scope of literary works, like for example Eric Meyer and Bernard Lewis, there seem to exist few researches which are merely based on Orientalism in “Vathek”. However, the most important resource for this paper is Muna Al-Alwana’s survey about Orientalism in Beckford’s novel, next to Jeffrey Cass’s study, who has investigated “Vathek” in respect to Orientalism and Homoeroticism. The most important resource for this paper is Muna Al-Alwana’s survey.
Table of Contents
1. Introduction
2. Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism
3. Typical features of Orientalism in Vathek
3.1 Violence and Evilness
3.2 Homoeroticism
3.3 Sensuality
3.4 Religion
4. Conclusion
5. Bibliography
Research Objectives and Themes
The primary objective of this study is to analyze how William Beckford’s novel "Vathek" reflects the standardization and cultural stereotyping inherent in Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism. The research investigates whether the text perpetuates colonialist constructions of the "East" by examining its portrayal of violence, sexuality, and religion.
- Analysis of Edward Said’s theoretical framework regarding the Orient.
- Examination of character archetypes as embodiments of Orientalist stereotypes.
- Investigation of the intersection between the Gothic genre and Orientalism.
- Evaluation of the novel’s depiction of Islamic tradition and religious impiety.
- Discussion of homoerotic elements as manifestations of "othering."
Excerpt from the Book
3. Typical features of Orientalism in Vathek: a. Evilness and Violence:
From the very beginning of his novel, Beckford presents his protagonist as a perfect example for a typical male Oriental by giving a vivid and detailed description of the “Vathek, ninth Caliph of the race of the Abassides, was the son of Motassem, and the grandson of Haroun Al Raschid” (Vathek: 85). He embodies most characteristics ascribed to the Orientals: He is self-indulgent, far too pride, voluptuous, cruel, and ambitious. In addition, the Caliph is being described as a voluptuous man, who drank and ate to excess and had a gaze so frightening that when he looked at his servants they “instantly fell backward, and sometimes expired” (Vathek: 85). The only character who was able to successfully withstand the Caliph’s gaze is the Giaour, whose looks were so hideous that “the Caliph himself appeared starled at so horrible a visage” (Vathek: 87). The evil eye or the evil gaze is a frequently used trope in Orientalist literature, to signify the power of its central despotic subject (see Meyer, 1991: 665).
The Caliph also holds unending curiosity which is shown by his insatiable thirst for knowledge and his desire to explore all unknown. Therefore the Caliph entertains himself by acquiring a great deal of knowledge. He wishes to know everything, even sciences which weren’t yet explored. For that reason, he loves to surround himself with men of great knowledge, with whom he is able to discuss and interchange ken. However, at the slightest provocation or objection, he addresses his people with anger and fury, because he would not accept any views or opinions opposed to his.
Summary of Chapters
1. Introduction: Outlines the research focus on investigating Edward Said’s Orientalism within the narrative framework of William Beckford’s "Vathek."
2. Edward Said’s concept of Orientalism: Explores the theoretical background of Said’s discourse theory, focusing on the colonialist binary between the "East" and the "West."
3. Typical features of Orientalism in Vathek: Examines specific narrative elements in the novel that align with historical Orientalist prejudices.
3.1 Violence and Evilness: Analyzes the protagonist’s despotic behavior and his mother’s influence as reflections of the "demonology" associated with the East.
3.2 Homoeroticism: Identifies sexualized, non-normative character dynamics in the novel as examples of European fantasies about the Orient.
3.3 Sensuality: Discusses the depiction of the Caliph’s palaces and harem as manifestations of Western stereotypes regarding Eastern decadence and indulgence.
3.4 Religion: Critiques how the novel ridicules Islamic traditions and uses the protagonist’s perceived impiety to emphasize the alleged inferiority of the East.
4. Conclusion: Summarizes the study’s findings, suggesting that "Vathek" serves as a medium for Beckford to reinforce Western-centric tropes through a "demonized" vision of the Orient.
5. Bibliography: Lists the academic sources used to support the literary and theoretical analysis.
Keywords
Vathek, William Beckford, Edward Said, Orientalism, Gothic Novel, Colonialism, Otherness, Homoeroticism, Stereotyping, Demonology, Middle East, Literary Analysis, Imperialism, Despotism, Cultural Construction.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the core subject of this paper?
The paper explores the literary representation of the "Orient" in William Beckford’s Gothic novel "Vathek" through the lens of Edward Said’s influential critique of Orientalism.
What are the primary thematic pillars of the research?
The work focuses on four central themes: the portrayal of violence and evil, the presence of homoerotic elements, the emphasis on sensuality, and the depiction of Islamic religion.
What is the main research question?
The study aims to determine to what extent "Vathek" adopts and reflects the cultural stereotypes and colonialist structures that Said identifies as the foundation of Western Orientalism.
Which scientific methodology is applied?
The author utilizes literary analysis, applying Said’s discourse theory and historical literary criticism to interpret the novel's characters, setting, and narrative choices.
What does the main body of the paper cover?
The main body breaks down the specific "typical features" of Orientalism found in the novel, moving from the protagonist's despotic nature to his mother’s necromancy, and finally to the representation of the harem and the ridicule of Islamic figures.
Which terms best characterize this work?
Key terms include Orientalist stereotypes, Gothic motifs, colonial construction, demonology, and cultural binary oppositions.
How does the author interpret the character of Carathis?
Carathis is analyzed as the driving, wicked force behind Vathek’s actions, whose supernatural practices and influence represent a fulfillment of European fears concerning the "dark magic" of the East.
Why does the author consider the novel's ending morally indicative?
The conclusion suggests that the tragic fate of the protagonists serves as a moralized validation of Western superiority, framing the "Orient" as a place of necessary, albeit brutal, judgment.
What role does Gulchenrouz play in the author's argument?
Gulchenrouz is presented as a "feminized" youngling who reinforces the Orientalist trope of the unmanly, effeminate Eastern male, paralleling the author's own life experiences.
- Quote paper
- Anonym (Author), 2014, William Beckford’s "Vathek" and Edward W. Said’s Concept of Orientalism, Munich, GRIN Verlag, https://www.grin.com/document/309332
