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Women Rewriting the Nation: Indigenous Feminism in Jordanian Feminist Writing and Its Impact on Rewriting History and Changing Perceptions
Abstract
I examine the nation from feminist perspectives in the recent literary production of the Jordanian writer, Samiha Khrais, with focus on indigenous feminism rooted in traditional Jordanian societies, challenging the orientalist view of Arab women and exploring their role in reconstructing the nation and providing an alternative narrative to regional history written by orientalists in the post-colonial era. Through this effort, I historicize and contextualize Khrais’ work with focus on her novel, The Tree Stump (2019), and discuss its role in creating an alternative narrative to the history of The Arab Revolt presented by T.E. Lawrence in his work, The Seven Pillars of Wisdom (1926). I also explore the possible impact of making the work of Arab indigenous feminist writers like Samiha Khrais available in translation on re-thinking the role of Arab women writers in the construction of identity, rewriting history, and the rebuilding of the nation.
Discipline
History
Geographic Area
Jordan
Sub Area
Gender/Women's Studies