Cartographic Aspects of the Representation of Demonization and Colonialism in Shakespeare’s The Tempest

Abstract

This paper examines Shakespeare's The Tempest through the lens of cartography to explore the themes of demonization and colonialism and how they can lead to the dehumanization of non-western people. It also focuses on the process of reducing non-Europeans, particularly Muslims, to subhuman status. Previous academic studies on Shakespeare's The Tempest have not sufficiently examined the geographical and cartographic elements underlying the play's investigation of demonization and colonization. Therefore, the primary objective of this study is to examine the geographical connections and cartographic complexities, as well as the complex depiction and consequences of demonization and colonization in Shakespeare's The Tempest. Tackling the enigma of Prospero's Island by systematically examining the literary cartographic framework of Shakespeare’s The Tempest, it became apparent that Ibiza is the island that inspired Shakespeare. The authors support their claim by providing pertinent evidence corresponding to Shakespeare's depictions and descriptions of Prospero's Island.

Keywords: Shakespeare’s The Tempest, Cartography, Colonialism, Demonization, Ibiza, Representation

Highlights:

1- This paper argues that the island in Shakespeare's The Tempest is not fictional but is based on the real-world Mediterranean island that is called Ibiza. This argumentation challenges previous interpretations that often linked the setting to the New World.

2- It employs the lens of literary cartography innovatively to perform a systematic analysis of the play's geographical clues, spatial relationships, and historical context. It further links between the characters and the plot with real-world geography and historical events, including the history and topography of Ibiza.

3- It suggests that the demonization of Caliban is not merely an allegory for the people of the New World; rather, it is directed explicitly at Muslims from North Africa and Spain. It examines the play within the context of the larger historical confrontation that has occurred between Europe and the Islamic world.

4- It draws parallels between the play's characters and real historical figures. For instance, it compares Prospero to King Jaume I of Aragon. It links Caliban's character to the Muslim leader Mujahid al-Amiri, providing a new historical dimension to the character analysis

5- It demonstrates how Shakespeare skillfully wove together geography, history, and religious themes. He uses a form of "cartographic demonization" to encode the prejudices and fears of his era regarding the Islamic world into the play to reinforce its colonial narrative