Diplomatic Framing of Literature: <i>The Year of the Elephant</i> as a Case Study

Abstract This paper seeks to assess the possibility of framing literature in diplomacy to promote Morocco’s image abroad based on the novel The Year of the Elephant, written in Arabic by Leila Abouzeid and translated into English by Barbara Parmenter. It discusses concepts such as cultural diplomacy, soft power, and imagology. It also provides insight into the practice of cultural diplomacy in Morocco, highlighting a number of Moroccan authors whose works have been translated into English. Its analysis extends to gauging the image portrayed in the text under consideration. The findings indicate that although the novel succeeds in honoring Moroccans’ bravery and struggle for Independence, paying tribute to female contributions to the resistance movement to drive French occupation out of the country despite some patriarchal setbacks, it does offer a negative representation of the Jewish community in Morocco. In spite of downplaying astrological practices undertaken in the country, it celebrates Sufism as a mystical practice that purifies one’s soul, drawing attention to Moroccan spirituality.