El indio de la nación: Las batuecas del duque de alba y la geografía hecha discurso

Abstract

Modern day stereotypes of the Hurdes region of Extremadura, Spain, were already created in the 17th century play Las Batuecas del Duque del Alba, by Lope de Vega. This region, marked by cultural differences, savage geography, and uncivilized inhabitants has been converted since seventeenth century into an incomprehensible space. This construction parallels the discourse applied to the understanding of the New World and the construction of its otherness. This article offers a close reading of the play and examines the similarities of the Hurdes and New World Discourse.