T. E. Lawrence: The Creation of a Hero

Abstract

All cultures have a need to create heroes. This project revolves around one particular historical figure Thomas Edward Lawrence or "Lawrence of Arabia" and the creation of the heroic myth that was constructed around him. For this purpose varying depictions of him are analyzed and discussed and examples of differing renditions are drawn upon in several different genres and media. The point of departure for the analysis are the thoughts of greek philosopher Aristotle which are articulated in his work "The 'Art' of Rhetoric". Special emphasis is put on the modes of persuasion defined by him; Ethos, Pathos and Logos. These are identified and their implementation analysed within the selected literary and cinematic depictions of Thomas Edward Lawrence. In addition works of his own are drawn upon as well as works of a biographical, cinematic and descriptive nature.