ORIENTALISM IN ‘‘THE TALISMAN ’’BY SIR WALTER SCOTT

Abstract

This article provides a comprehensive analysis of Orientalism in Sir Walter Scott’s historical novel The Talisman (1825), focusing on the symbolic construction of the East, the representation of Eastern characters, and the role of Orientalist discourse in shaping Western identity. The study examines how the novel reflects both traditional Orientalist stereotypes and a more nuanced portrayal of Eastern civilization. Particular attention is given to the character of Saladin, who emerges as a central figure challenging conventional Western perceptions. The research argues that The Talisman represents a transitional stage in nineteenth-century Orientalist literature, where admiration for the East coexists with underlying Eurocentric assumptions. Through literary and cultural analysis, the article demonstrates that Scott’s work contributes significantly to the understanding of East–West relations in the context of Romantic literature.