Cervantes
Miguel de Cervantes: The Father of Modern Western Literature
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra was a Spanish novelist, poet, and playwright who is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language. His full name is often written as Miguel de Cervantes y Saavedra.
Birth and Death Dates
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Cervantes was born on September 29, 1547, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 68, in Madrid, Spain.
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Cervantes was a Spanish national and a prolific writer who worked in various genres, including novels, poems, plays, and essays. He is best known for his literary masterpiece, _Don Quixote_, which is considered the first modern novel written in Europe.
Early Life and Background
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Cervantes was born into a family of modest means. His father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, was a barber-surgeon who served as a notary to the Duke of Nîmes, while his mother, Leonor de Cortinas, came from a noble family. Cervantes received a good education and studied law at the University of Alcalá before embarking on a military career.
Major Accomplishments
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Cervantes's literary career spanned over three decades, during which he wrote numerous plays, poems, and novels. His most notable work is _Don Quixote_, published in two parts (1605 and 1615). This novel revolutionized the literary world by introducing a new style of narrative that emphasized realism, satire, and social commentary.
Notable Works or Actions
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Some of Cervantes's notable works include:
_Don Quixote_: Regarded as one of the greatest novels ever written, it tells the story of a nobleman who becomes obsessed with chivalric romances and sets out on a journey to revive knighthood.
_Novelas Ejemplares_ (Exemplary Novels): A collection of short stories that explore themes such as love, honor, and morality.
_Los Trabajos de Persiles y Sigismunda_: A novel written in the style of classical Greek romance, which explores the adventures of two young lovers.Impact and Legacy
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Cervantes's literary impact is immense. He is credited with creating the modern Western novel, influencing countless writers, including Gustave Flaubert, Victor Hugo, and Mark Twain. His works have been translated into numerous languages and continue to be widely read and studied today.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Cervantes's quotes are still widely quoted today due to their insight, wit, and wisdom. Some of his most famous quotes include:
"The time will come when even the dead will not be safe from the curiosity of biography."
* "I am a man who has been wounded in many battles, but I have never been defeated."
Cervantes's legacy extends beyond literature; he is remembered as a pioneering figure who helped shape modern Western culture. His works continue to inspire readers and writers alike, making him an enduring figure in literary history.
In conclusion, Miguel de Cervantes was a groundbreaking writer who left an indelible mark on literature. His contributions to the development of the novel and his exploration of themes such as love, honor, and morality have made him one of the most celebrated authors in history.
Quotes by Cervantes
Öyle bir dil kullanın ki hikayeniz bedbahtları eğlendirsin, neşeli olanların mutluluğunu arttırsın, bilgisizlere cahilliklerini hissettirmesin, ustalar ise yeniliklerinize hayran kalsın, ciddi kimseler hor görmesin, bilgeler övsün.
İşin aslı sevgili dostum, Tanrı eksiklerini giderecek birini gönderene kadar Sinyor Don Kişot'un hikayesinin La Mancha arşivlerinde bir mezar taşı gibi yatmasına karar verdim.
I want you to see me naked and performing one or two dozen mad acts, which will take me less than half an hour, because if you have seen them with your own eyes, you can safely swear to any others you might wish to add.
