56 pages • 1 hour read
Lila Abu-LughodVeiled Sentiments
Nonfiction | Book | Adult | Published in 1986A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Essay Topics
Reconsider the concepts of ‘agl, ḥasham, and aṣl. After reading Abu-Lughod’s text, what are the roles of these forces in Awlad ‘Ali society? What tensions do they produce among the community?
How are femininity and poetry connected in Awlad ‘Ali society? Is poetry a positive force within Awlad ‘Ali communities?
Consider Abu-Lughod’s hesitations about the effectiveness and purpose of her work as an ethnographer. Which of her goals does she achieve? Is her estimation of the value of her work, as outlined in her afterword (written 30 years later), valid?
How do symbols and symbolic language work in Awlad ‘Ali society? Why are circumlocution and symbolism useful, especially for the less empowered members of Awlad ‘Ali communities?
In Abu-Lughod’s eyes, ghinnāwas’ form is part of the reason for their cultural primacy and their ultimate value. How does the form of the poems shape their usage?
Consider the many kinds of performances about which Abu-Lughod speaks. Why do Bedouins perform (songs, poems, rituals, behaviors, etc.)? How does performance contribute to a social society?
How does Abu-Lughod use storytelling to enhance her depiction of the Awlad ‘Ali?
What is Abu-Lughod’s overall impression of the gender dynamic within the Awlad ‘Ali community, both historically and at the time of her writing? Does her text qualify as a work of “feminist ethnography”? Why?
Consider Abu-Lughod’s descriptions of sedentarization. How, and to what degree, has the loss of seasonal migration shaped or reshaped the values and discourses within the Awlad ‘Ali community? Is Abu-Lughod optimistic about the Awlad ‘Ali’s future as a culturally distinct group?
How does Abu-Lughod view the role of ḥasham in Bedouin society? Does she adopt a positive perspective toward the principle and its shaping force in Bedouin lives? Include a definition of the term and an in-depth exploration of its intricacies to inform your decision.
