Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) was a Spanish writer, best known as the author of "Don Quixote", considered one of the greatest works of world literature. Often referred to as "the father of the modern novel," Cervantes had a significant influence on Spanish literature and the development of the novel as a literary form.
Early Life and Military Career
Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, in 1547. Little is known about his early education, but he moved to Madrid in his youth, where he likely received some formal schooling. In 1570, Cervantes joined the Spanish military and fought in the Battle of Lepanto (1571) against the Ottoman Empire, where he sustained serious injuries, losing the use of his left hand. Despite this, he continued to serve as a soldier until 1575.
In 1575, Cervantes was captured by Barbary pirates and spent five years as a prisoner in Algiers, attempting several times to escape before finally being ransomed in 1580.
Literary Career and "Don Quixote"
After returning to Spain, Cervantes struggled financially and had difficulty establishing himself as a writer. He worked in various low-paying government positions, such as a tax collector. In 1605, Cervantes published the first part of his magnum opus, "Don Quixote", a satirical novel that critiques the chivalric romances popular at the time.
The novel tells the story of Alonso Quixano, a man who loses his grip on reality and embarks on a series of misadventures, imagining himself to be a knight-errant named Don Quixote.
Along with his loyal but down-to-earth squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote becomes a symbol of idealism in conflict with harsh reality.
Cervantes masterfully blends humor and tragedy, and the novel has been translated into numerous languages, becoming a cornerstone of Western literature.
The second part of "Don Quixote" was published in 1615, shortly before Cervantes’ death.
Other Works
In addition to "Don Quixote," Cervantes wrote "Novelas ejemplares" (1613), a collection of twelve short stories that showcased his narrative talent and versatility. He also wrote plays, though these did not achieve the same level of success as his novels.
His final work, "The Trials of Persiles and Sigismunda", a romance written in imitation of Greek adventure tales, was published posthumously in 1617.
Death and Legacy
Miguel de Cervantes died on April 23, 1616, in Madrid. His death is often compared to that of William Shakespeare, who died on the same date, though by different calendars (Spain was using the Gregorian calendar, while England still used the Julian calendar at that time).
Cervantes' impact on literature is immense. "Don Quixote" remains one of the most read and studied works globally, and Cervantes' ability to blend realism with fantasy, comedy with tragedy, continues to inspire writers today.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Miguel_de_Cervantes
- https://www.britannica.com/biography/Miguel-de-Cervantes
