Afghanistan through Orientalism and Neo-Orientalism in Gately’s Lipstick in Afghanistan (2010) and Faqir’s Willow Trees Don’t Weep (2014)

Abstract

This research paper endeavors to compare an Orientalist work by the American writer Roberta Gately Lipstick in Afghanistan, and Willow Trees Don’t Weep by the British-Middle Eastern writer Fadia faqir. Throughout the study, a historical background is provided for Orientalism that led to the emergence of Neo-Orientalism, particularly with the attacks in America of September 11th, 2001. Throughout the Orientalist depictions, the East was represented as backward, primitive, magic and exotic world. Therefore, this dissertation delves into the experiences of two female protagonists who travelled to Afghanistan with different purposes, sharing some stereotypical images about the place and its people. The study attempted to give a micro-representation of how Afghanistan is portrayed through the lenses of Orientalism and Neo-Orientalism narratives.