Lila Abu-Lughod’s ethnography Veiled Sentiments: Honor and Poetry in a Bedouin Society explores the lives of the Awlad ‘Ali Bedouins of North Africa, focusing on honor, gender roles, and the transformative power of women’s poetry within a deeply patrilineal and modesty-focused society undergoing cultural changes from 1978 to 1980. Sensitive topics include gender-based social dynamics and sexuality.

Lila Abu-Lughod's Veiled Sentiments is praised for its in-depth ethnographic study and sensitive portrayal of the Awlad 'Ali Bedouins. Critics highlight its accessible writing and rich insights into gender and poetry, though some argue it occasionally over-romanticizes its subjects. Overall, the book is celebrated for its contribution to anthropological literature.

Ideal for readers of Veiled Sentiments are those interested in anthropology, gender studies, and Middle Eastern cultures. They appreciate detailed ethnographic studies, similar to Guests of the Sheik by Elizabeth Warnock Fernea or Women Writing Culture edited by Ruth Behar and Deborah A. Gordon. These readers value deep cultural insights and personal narratives.

Informative / Contemplative / Mysterious / Emotional

Lila Abu-Lughod

Adult

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Nonfiction

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Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Veiled Sentiments and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Veiled Sentiments Summary and Study Guide

Background

Veiled Sentiments Background

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapter 1 Veiled Sentiments Chapter 1: "Guest and Daughter" Summary & Analysis

Part 1: “The Ideology of Bedouin Social Life”

Part 1, Chapter 2

Veiled Sentiments  Chapter 2: "Identity in Relationship" Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 3

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 3: "Honor and the Virtues of Autonomy" Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapter 4

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 4: "Modesty, Gender, and Sexuality" Summary & Analysis

Part 2: “Discourses on Sentiment”

Part 2, Chapter 5

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 5: "The Poetry of Personal Life" Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 6

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 6: "Honor and Poetic Vulnerability" Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 7

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 7: "Modesty and the Poetry of Love" Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapter 8 and Afterword

Veiled Sentiments Chapter 8: "Ideology and the Politics of Sentiment" Summary & Analysis

Veiled Sentiments

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