Orientalism in the early english romantic literature and the importance of the arabian tales one thousand and one nights

Abstract

In the eighteenth century, English interest in exploring the Eastern world had increased tremendously. Orientalism was recognized as a cultural phenomenon and it had a great influence on architecture, gardening, art and literature too. As for the poets and writers, the oriental environment created a different mood and new modes of expression that inspired them to compose works with the eastern motifs. The main contribution of Orientalism to English literature was a distraction of the poets mind from outdated ideas and filling it with fresh views. And the translation of the Arabian tales One Thousand and One Nights created a new atmosphere in England and inspired many writers to compose Oriental works. This article researches the role of Orient in the early English Romantic literature and writers enthusiasm to create an extraordinary eastern world and motifs in their works. By examining these historically important researches, I clarify that how the concept of Orientalism appeared in English literature and its contribution to the formation of poetry and language.