“I Have a Name Without a Title”; Representations of Middle Eastern Muslim Women in Western Literature

Author

• Hadeel Abed

Date of Award

2022

Document Type

Dissertation/Thesis

Submission Date

October 2026

Thesis/Dissertation Advisor [Chair]

Luria, Rachel

Abstract

Since September 11, 2001, novels about Middle Eastern Muslim women acclimating to Western society have been a popular genre for Western authors seeking to counter anti-Muslim prejudices. However, in their efforts to counteract Islamophobia, many of these authors perpetuate and reinforce harmful stereotypes, particularly regarding Middle Eastern Muslim women. This thesis will explore two such works, Ten Things I Hate About Me by Australian author Randa Abdel-Fattah and A Large Expanse of Sea by Tahereh Mafi. I will argue that the novels have problematic components such as the "White Savior" archetype and how the characters reinforce stereotypical representations of their religion and culture, perpetuating assumptions that all or most Middle Eastern Muslim women are dissatisfied with their culture, appearance, and/or faith, which is not entirely representative of reality.

Comments

Thesis (B.A.)--Florida Atlantic University, Harriet L. Wilkes Honors College, 2022

Recommended Citation

Abed, Hadeel, "“I Have a Name Without a Title”; Representations of Middle Eastern Muslim Women in Western Literature" (2022). Harriet L Wilkes Honors College Theses 2020 - Present. 144.
https://digitalcommons.fau.edu/etd_honors/144

Extent

37 p.

Identifier

FAUHT00184