Study Guide: The Book of the Dead and Colonialism in Popular Culture

Important names, terms, and concepts

Orientalism

religion and race in The Mummy

colonialism

Said, Orientalism

This reading is difficult, so be patient .Keep in mind these presuppositions:

• Said is writing about a history of economic, political relations between the East and West in which the West dominated; a history of colonization of the East by the West.
• Said is not talking about something real and material called “the Orient” (132); he is talking about the construction of an "Orient" or "East" by the West that may or may not resemble the actual cultures the Westerners are claiming to describe.

Make a note of sentences or passages that you think are really important to Said's argument, even if you do not completely understand them.  Include page numbers.  What do you think Said is saying in that passage or sentence?

The Mummy (1932) starring Boris Karloff

The background:
Egypt was under British rule during the 1920's and 30's
1922:  the discovery of Tutankhamun’s tomb, the only royal tomb that remained mostly intact in the Valley of the Kings.  The tomb was excavated from 1922-1932 -- so, right up until this movie was released

• As you're watching the movie:
• DON’T look to it as a source of information about the Valley of the Kings or Egyptian beliefs!
• DO regard it as a vehicle for disseminating 1930’s popular culture beliefs about Egypt, ancient AND modern

Take note of anything that interests you.

Take note, as well, of two specific themes:
1) the depiction of race and/or ethnicity in the film           

2) the depiction of religion, superstition, and science. What would Said say this movie is really about?