Description:
(Novelist)
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish author, poet and playwright of the 17th century. His ‘Don Quixote’ is considered to be the first model novel of the modern literary style. His impact on the Spanish language and literature is so huge that Spanish language is sometimes known as ‘la lengua de Cervantes’ (the language of Cervantes). His novels, poetry and plays are full of intelligent satire and expressions that are easy for a regular reader to relate with. This is the reason why he was known to be ‘El Principe de los Ingenios’, which means ‘The Prince of Wits’. He was born in Madrid in a poor family, his father worked as a barber-doctor and wandered from city to city, looking for work. Cervantes studied architecture, literature and art in Rome for some time when he was young and then later on joined the Spanish navy. It was while serving in the navy that his left arm got brutally wounded and he could not use it thereafter. He considered it as a symbol of honor as he was fighting for his country. He led a poor life until his ‘Don Quixote’ became famous. The novel did not bring him much money but established him as an important literary figure.
Birthday
September 29, 0 (Libra)
Born In
Spain
Alternative names
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
Died on
April 22, 0
Spouse/Ex-
Catalina de Salazar y Palacios (m. 1584–1616)
Parents
Rodrigo de Cervantes
Leonor de Cortinas
Children
Isabel de Saavedra
Relatives
Andrea de Cervantes, Andrés de Cervantes, Juan de Cervantes, Luisa de Cervantes, Magdalena de Cervantes, Rodrigo de Cervantes
What is Miguel de Cervantes most famous work?
Miguel de Cervantes is best known for his novel "Don Quixote," which is considered one of the greatest works of literature in history.
Where did Miguel de Cervantes get the inspiration for Don Quixote?
Miguel de Cervantes drew inspiration for "Don Quixote" from his own experiences as a soldier, as well as from the chivalric romances that were popular during his time.
What impact did Miguel de Cervantes have on Spanish literature?
Miguel de Cervantes is considered the father of Spanish literature for his innovative writing style and the way he satirized the social norms of his time in works like "Don Quixote."
How did Miguel de Cervantes' writing style influence later authors?
Miguel de Cervantes' writing style, characterized by realism and psychological depth, had a profound influence on later authors such as Gustave Flaubert and Fyodor Dostoevsky.
What is the significance of Miguel de Cervantes' contribution to literature?
Miguel de Cervantes is celebrated for his pioneering use of metafiction in "Don Quixote," which has had a lasting impact on the development of the novel as a literary form.