In class, we often discussed to what extent Lawrence truly despised his fame. It seemed that our class’s general consensuses was that Lawrence likely enjoyed the notoriety that he received from his exploits. As time passed, though, he came to have a great distain for said fame. This resentment likely coming from a place of shame over his inability to secure Arab independence. However, I disagree with the general consensuses. I believe that Lawrence likely always had, at least, some aversion to any sort of stardom. My opinion is largely based in the writing of Lowell Thomas. This may come off as surprising, because Lowell is know for saying that Lawrence “had a genius for backing into the limelight.” At first, this quote might seem to imply that Lawrence always unintentionally found himself in the spotlight. Describing this tendency as a genius, however, implies that to some degree it was intentional. I find this assertion to directly contradict statements Lowell made in the Foreword and Chapter 1 of this book With Lawrence of Arabia. In the Foreword Lowell states:
“During the time that Mr. Chase and I were in Arabia, I found it impossible to extract much information from Lawrence himself regarding his own achievements. He insisted on giving the entire credit to Emir Feisal and other Arab leaders, and to his fellow-adventurers, Colonel Wilson, of the Sudan, Newcombe, Joyce, Dawney, Bassett, Vickery, Cornwallis, Hogarth, Stirling, etc., all of whom did magnificent work in Arabia.”
Additionally in Chapter 1, Lowell comments:
“Even concerning his connection with the Arabian army he would say nothing, except to give the credit for everything that happened in the desert campaign to the Arab leaders, or to Newcombe, Joyce, Cornwallis, Dawney, Marshall, Stirling, Hornby, and his other British associates.”
From these quotes it is evident that, even while in Arabia, Lawrence did not desire to receive any credit. At this time, Lawrence still likely believed that he could secure Arab self-determination. In fact, he was likely aware that his level of influence was directly correlated to his notoriety. Yet, he still kept fame at an arms distance.
Despite these dismals, Lowell would still go on to make the aforementioned comment on Lawrence’s genius for backing into the spotlight. Why would he do this? I think Lowell’s words likely stemmed from circumstance. Lawrence criticized Lowell for apparently exploiting his image in the latter’s films. So, in order to abstain himself, Lowell likely played into the idea of Lawrence covertly finding the limelight.
I can see your point here, but I think that if he truly wanted to avoid the spotlight he wouldn’t have written Seven Pillars. I also don’t think he would have allowed Lowell Thomas to follow him around and take photos of him. I understand that he may have felt somewhat uncomfortable with the fame but I think he understood that he could monetize his story and took advantage of it. He was smart enough to know that in doing this it would stick him into the spotlight…right?
I agree with Emma! BUT–you do make a decent case for the opposite–Lowell’s statements/depiction of Lawrence’ reactions do suggest that the latter was interested in at least not appearing to be self-interested/self-promotional. BUT, as Emma points out—there is also evidence in his allowing Lowell to do what he did that suggests a canny use of the media