35 pages 1 hour read

Edward Said

Orientalism

Nonfiction | Essay Collection | Adult | Published in 1978

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Essay Topics

1.

Said describes Orientalism as a style of writing and thought about the Orient. According to Said, what are the main characteristics of this style? What are its primary goals?

2.

According to Said, what comprises the figure of the “Oriental” in the Orientalist imagination? What are the Oriental’s recurring features throughout history? 

3.

Said asserts that the scope of Orientalism is broad, which is why Western scholarship has devoted much energy throughout history to contain it through formalized study. Discuss how Said’s own methodology for critiquing Orientalism in his book considers its broad scope. How is he able to frame and organize the idea of Orientalism in this work?