Egyptomania, Orientalism, and Esotericism in Shelley’s Representation of Ancient Egyptian Ruins

Document Type : Original Article

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Department of English - Faculty of Arts and Humanities, - Jazan University - Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

Abstract

This study explores Shelley's engagement with the three discourses of Egyptomania, Orientalism, and esotericism in his representation of ancient Egypt, examining how the three disciplines intersect in Shelley's portrayal of the ancient Egyptian monuments. The study also shows how Shelley draws heavily upon the tradition of ruins of the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries in his investigation of the significance of the Egyptian history and cultural legacy. Shelley employs Egyptian motifs to develop his own thematic concerns, expressing his contempt of warfare, vehement opposition to religious dogma, and his scathing critiques against tyranny. Egypt, with its iconic pyramids, sphinxes, and monumental temples, serves as a metaphor for the fleeting nature of human achievements and a symbol of Oriental despotism. While employing Egypt as a symbol of tyranny, Shelley's poetry paradoxically conveys a profound admiration for the Egyptian civilization. To him, Egypt was not just a repository of ancient ruins but the source of all human knowledge. In this multifaceted portrayal, Shelley's poetic representation of Egypt stands as a testament to his complex relationship with the land's history, fusing disdain and aversion with fascination and a profound admiration for its ancient legacy.

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