Miguel de Cervantes

NAME Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra

WHAT FAMOUS FOR Cervantes is best known as the author of Don Quixote, considered one of the greatest works of world literature and a cornerstone of Western literary canon.

BIRTH Cervantes was born on September 29, 1547, in Alcalá de Henares, Spain.

FAMILY BACKGROUND Cervantes came from a modest family. His father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, was a barber-surgeon, a profession that combined surgery with tasks like bloodletting and tooth extraction. In those days it was an ill-paid profession of low repute. His mother, Leonor de Cortinas, came from a family of noble descent, though they were not wealthy.

CHILDHOOD Cervantes’ early years were marked by frequent moves as his family sought better opportunities as they experienced economic hardship and instability.

EDUCATION Cervantes' formal education was likely limited due to his family’s financial struggles. He attended for a time a Jesuit school, where he would have received a basic education in reading, writing, and the classics. One of the teachers there was Jesuit playwright Pedro Pablo Acevedo,

One of Miguel's teachers, Juan López de Hoyos, referred to him as "our dear and beloved pupil," a common form of address in those days.

CAREER RECORD Cervantes had a varied career, working as a soldier, tax collector, purchasing agent for the Spanish Armada, and eventually, a writer. Despite his literary talents, he often struggled financially and professionally, facing imprisonment on multiple occasions. Here's his resume:

1569 Miguel de Cervantes was a gentleman in waiting in the household of Cardinal Acquaviva in Rome. He obtained a position as a kind of secretary to Cardinal Acquaviva in Rome.

1570 Enlisted as a private soldier.

1575-80 Cervantes was captured by Algerian pirates in 1575 and held captive for five years. During this time, he endured harsh treatment, including physical abuse and forced labor.

1582 Unable to obtain employment with a noble family, he decides to become a writer.

1582-85 Produces a prodigious amount of poems and plays.

1585 Published first novel La Galatea.

1588 During the Spanish Armada in 1588, Miguel de Cervantes served as a commissary, responsible for supplying wheat, barley, and oil to the Spanish troops. This was a crucial role, as these supplies were essential for the survival and well-being of the soldiers. 

1692 He became a tax collector in 1592 and was briefly jailed for 'irregularities' in his accounts, but quickly released.

1605 Publishes Don Quixote Part 1.

APPEARANCE Descriptions of Cervantes suggest he was of average height with a lean build. He had a prominent mustache and was likely weathered in appearance due to his years as a soldier and prisoner. The portrait below, attributed to Juan de Jáuregui, is unauthenticated. No authenticated image of Cervantes exists.

FASHION Cervantes lived during a time of great fashion change. While specific details about his personal style are scarce, he would have likely worn clothing typical of the Spanish gentry of his era, which included doublet, hose, and a cloak.

CHARACTER Cervantes was known for his resilience, determination, and ability to find humor even in difficult circumstances. Despite his hardships, he maintained a zest for life and a sharp wit.

SENSE OF HUMOUR Cervantes' works display a keen sense of irony and satire. Cervantes had a unique ability to poke fun at societal norms, human folly, and himself, often with a light, humorous touch. His sense of humor is perhaps best exemplified in his masterpiece, Don Quixote. The novel satirizes the chivalric romances that were popular at the time, and Cervantes uses humor to poke fun at the unrealistic and often absurd ideals of these tales.

One of the most memorable moments in Don Quixote is when the protagonist believes he has discovered an eleventh commandment: "Mind your own business." This commandment is a humorous reflection of Don Quixote's idealistic and often naive worldview.

A popular Spanish tale tells of King Philip III gazing from his palace window and spotting a man by the roadside, lost in a book. The man's laughter was so infectious that tears streamed down his face. "That fellow," the king remarked, "is either mad or reading Don Quixote."

RELATIONSHIPS Cervantes married Catalina de Salazar y Palacios in 1584, but their marriage was unhappy. He also had an illegitimate daughter, Isabel de Saavedra, from an affair with actress Ana Franca de Rojas. His marriage was childless.

MONEY AND FAME Cervantes' unsuccessful pursuit of noble patronage forced him into a writing career. Despite his efforts, his early literary ventures proved fruitless. His marriage to Catalina provided a modest financial boost from her dowry.

Upon returning to government service, Cervantes faced financial difficulties due to delayed pay and tangled accounts, leading to multiple imprisonments for debt. These troubles culminated in an excommunication by the Spanish Inquisition, despite his clear innocence.

The immediate success of Don Quixote was undeniable. Within two weeks of its publication, three pirated editions appeared in Madrid. While Don Quixote brought Cervantes some financial success, piracy of the novel hindered his earnings. He remained relatively poor throughout his life.

FOOD AND DRINK Cervantes' financial struggles likely meant he lived on simple, modest fare, similar to what he describes in his works—basic bread, cheese, and wine.

"Hunger is the best sauce." - Don Quixote, Part 2, Chapter 5

MUSIC AND ARTS Cervantes had a deep appreciation for the arts, frequently referencing music, theater, and painting in his works. He was particularly fond of the theater and wrote many plays, though they did not achieve the success of his novels.

Cervantes' one-act plays, Eight Comedies and Eight New Interludes, Never Before Performed published in 1615, were a departure from his full-length works. Unlike his longer plays, these interludes were primarily written in prose and employed a colloquial style that was uniquely his.

Initially dismissed as unworthy of Cervantes' talents, the Eight Interludes have recently gained critical acclaim. Despite being rejected by a playhouse manager, Cervantes remained optimistic and published them for the reading public to appreciate. While they have been translated into English and performed on stage, their popularity has not reached the level of Don Quixote.

"Never meddle with actors, for they are a favored race." - Don Quixote, Part 2, Chapter 11

LITERATURE Cervantes' literary output included novels, plays, and poetry. Don Quixote remains his magnum opus, hailed for its innovative narrative style, complex characters, and exploration of themes such as reality versus illusion.

Cervantes' initial writing career was marked by failure due to his attempts to imitate popular styles of plays and poetry. Here's a timeline:

1568: As a student, several of his poems were included in a volume commemorating the death of Queen Elizabeth of Valois.

1582-87: Cervantes produced approximately 25 plays.

1585: La Galatea Cervantes' pastoral masterpiece, was published, marking his literary debut.

1605: Don Quixote (Part 1) was published. Likely begun during one of his imprisonments, this masterpiece satirizes chivalric romances through the adventures of the idealistic Don Quixote and his pragmatic servant, Sancho Panza. Its popularity was immense, with six editions printed in the first year alone.

1615: Don Quixote (Part 2) was published.

The full title of "Don Quixote" is "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha" ("The Ingenious Nobleman Don Quijote of La Mancha"). English translations of "Don Quixote" have been numerous, with at least seven published since the 17th century.

Notable Quotes from Don Quixote:

"There are only two families in the world: the haves and the havenots." (Part 2, Chapter 20)

"Tell me what company you keep, and I'll tell you what you are." (Part 2, Chapter 2)

"The pot calls the kettle black."

"Be slow of tongue and quick of eye."

"The proof of the pudding is in the eating."

"A proverb is a short sentence based on a long experience."

Cervantes' favorite book was Tirant lo Blanch, a chivalric romance written in 1490 by Johan de Galba and Johannot Martorell.

NATURE Cervantes often referenced the natural world in his works, using it to set the scene or as a metaphor for the human condition. His writings reflect a deep understanding of rural Spanish landscapes.

PETS Animals play symbolic roles in his works, reflecting his observations of human and animal behavior.

HOBBIES AND SPORTS Cervantes had an interest in fencing and horsemanship, skills he likely developed during his time as a soldier. He also enjoyed storytelling and theater.

SCIENCE AND MATHS His works reflect an understanding of contemporary medical practices, likely influenced by his father’s profession as a surgeon.

PHILOSOPHY & THEOLOGY Cervantes' works frequently explore philosophical themes, particularly the nature of reality, human folly, and existential questions. He had a nuanced view of theology, often critiquing the Church’s hypocrisy while respecting faith.

Miguel de Cervantes joined a confraternity dedicated to honoring Saint Peter and Saint Paul in 1609. Confraternities were religious organizations that often performed charitable works and social functions. They were common in Spain during the 16th and 17th centuries. By joining this confraternity, Cervantes demonstrated his commitment to his faith and his desire to be part of a community. The confraternity likely provided him with a sense of belonging and support, especially during a time when he was struggling to establish himself as a writer.

In July 1613, Cervantes joined the Third Order Franciscans, then a common way for Catholics to gain spiritual merit. He was formally initiated into the Franciscan order three weeks before his death. 

POLITICS Cervantes was a critic of the social and political issues of his time, including corruption, class disparities, and the decline of Spanish power. His works subtly critique the political landscape of 16th and 17th-century Spain.

SCANDAL Cervantes faced several scandals, including imprisonment for mismanaging funds as a tax collector. He was also involved in a notorious incident in 1569 where he was charged with wounding  Antonio de Sigura in a duel forcing him to leave Madrid for Rome. 

Here's a timeline of his imprisonments:

1575: On his return to Spain, Cervantes' ship was captured by Barbary pirates. He and his brother were taken as slaves to Algiers. When the ransom proved insufficient to free both, Cervantes insisted that his brother be released. He made several escape attempts, taking full blame for his comrades' safety.

1580: After five years as a slave to a Greek renegade and the Viceroy of Algiers, Cervantes was released upon payment of a ransom. The Viceroy, impressed by his bravery, intervened on his behalf.

Later Years: While working as a tax collector, Cervantes was imprisoned multiple times due to deficiencies in his accounts. These experiences likely contributed to the development of the idea for Don Quixote.

1597: Cervantes was imprisoned for a shortage in his accounts, caused by the failure of a banker. He also faced imprisonment for criticizing the Church's wealth and for trusting a Portuguese banker who absconded with his funds.

MILITARY RECORD Cervantes served in the Spanish Navy Marines and fought in the Battle of Lepanto on October 7, 1571, despite being stricken with fever. He suffered three gunshot wounds in his chest and left arm and lost the use of his left hand. 

Cervantes at the battle of Lepanto, by Augusto Ferrer-Dalmau

Cervantes was later captured by Barbary pirates and spent five years as a slave in Algiers before being ransomed. His experiences as a captive provided him with firsthand knowledge of the cruelties of slavery and the resilience of the human spirit. These experiences would later be reflected in his writings, particularly in Don Quixote.

HEALTH AND PHYSICAL FITNESS Cervantes’ health was compromised by his war injuries and years of hardship. His left hand was permanently disabled, earning him the nickname “El Manco de Lepanto” (the one-armed man of Lepanto). It was "for the greater glory of the right" he said of the wound to his left hand. 

HOMES Cervantes lived in various locations throughout Spain, including Madrid, Seville, and Valladolid. His homes were typically modest, reflecting his financial struggles.

Tradition maintains that Cervantes wrote Don Quixote in prison at Argamasilla in La Mancha.

TRAVEL Cervantes traveled extensively during his military service, including time in Italy and North Africa. His travels deeply influenced his writing, providing him with a wealth of experiences and insights into different cultures.

Don Quixote's iconic battle with the windmills on the windswept plains of La Mancha is a celebrated passage in world literature. This legendary encounter has immortalized the villages of La Mancha, forever linking them to the timeless tale of the idealistic knight and his faithful squire.

DEATH Cervantes died from complications related to diabetes on April 22, 1616, in Madrid, shortly after completing his final work, Persiles y Sigismunda. Before his death, he penned a poignant farewell: "Goodbye, pleasant fancies, for I perceive that I am dying. My wish is to see you happy in the other life."

His contemporary, Shakespeare, died ten days later, and due to the calendar change, his death date also became April 23, 1616, creating a shared legacy for these literary giants.

Cervantes was initially buried in the Convent of the Barefoot Trinitarians in Madrid. However, his remains were lost during renovations to the convent in 1673. In January 2015, forensic anthropologist Francisco Etxeberria announced the discovery of caskets containing bone fragments and a board with the initials "M.C." After analyzing evidence of injuries sustained at the Battle of Lepanto, the remains were confirmed to belong to Cervantes, his wife, and others. A public ceremony was held in June 2015 to reinter the remains..

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APPEARANCES IN MEDIA Cervantes and his works, particularly Don Quixote, have been adapted into countless films, TV series, plays, and artworks, cementing his legacy in popular culture.

1. FILMS AND TV SERIES: Don Quixote has inspired numerous film adaptations, spanning nearly every decade since the early 20th century. Each brings its own interpretation of Cervantes' classic tale, ranging from faithful renditions to imaginative reimaginings:

Don Quixote (1933): One of the earliest sound films, directed by G.W. Pabst and starring the great Russian bass Feodor Chaliapin, this adaptation focuses on Quixote’s idealism and his poignant friendship with Sancho Panza.

The Adventures of Don Quixote (1973): A television film directed by Alvin Rakoff, starring Rex Harrison as Don Quixote, showcases Quixote’s delusions with a bittersweet touch.

Man of La Mancha (1972): A film adaptation of the Broadway musical, starring Peter O’Toole as Don Quixote/Cervantes and Sophia Loren as Dulcinea. Although the film didn’t achieve the critical acclaim of its stage counterpart, it remains a visually striking interpretation.

Don Quixote (2000): A TV movie starring John Lithgow as Don Quixote and Bob Hoskins as Sancho Panza. This adaptation focuses on the humor and pathos of Quixote’s misguided adventures.

The Man Who Killed Don Quixote (2018): Directed by Terry Gilliam, this film took nearly 30 years to complete, becoming infamous for its production challenges. Starring Adam Driver and Jonathan Pryce, the movie blends fantasy and reality, reflecting the quixotic nature of its subject with a modern twist.

There have been several animated versions, including a Soviet adaptation in 1957 and a more recent Japanese anime retelling, which updates the story for new audiences while keeping the core themes intact.

2. PLAYS: Cervantes' Don Quixote has been a favorite of the theater world, inspiring countless stage adaptations.

The most famous adaptation of Don Quixote is the Broadway musical Man of La Mancha, which premiered in 1965. This production uniquely frames the story of the "mad" knight Don Quixote as a play within a play, performed by Cervantes himself and his fellow prisoners as they await a hearing with the Spanish Inquisition. The original Broadway production was immensely successful, running for 2,328 performances and winning five Tony Awards, including Best Musical.

The musical's standout song, "The Impossible Dream," has become a standard, celebrated for its uplifting message of perseverance and hope. In the musical, Don Quixote sings the song as he stands vigil over his armor, explaining to Aldonza (Dulcinea) what he means by "following the quest." The song's themes of striving for an unattainable ideal perfectly capture the essence of Cervantes’ hero, making it one of the most enduring and iconic moments in musical theater. "The Impossible Dream" has since been covered by numerous artists, including Frank Sinatra, Elvis Presley, and Luther Vandross, further cementing its place in popular culture.

Numerous contemporary playwrights have reinterpreted the story, focusing on themes of idealism vs. reality, mental illness, and social justice. Don Quixote has also been adapted into avant-garde and experimental theater productions, reflecting its adaptability and enduring relevance.

3.POP MUSIC One of the most notable musical tributes to Cervantes’ work came in 1985 when British singer-songwriter Nick Kershaw released "Don Quixote," a song that reached #10 on the UK charts. It’s one of the rare instances where a 17th-century Spanish novel inspired a British pop hit, blending the themes of Cervantes’ iconic character with a contemporary musical style.

4. ARTWORKS: Artists across centuries have been inspired by Don Quixote’s imagery, creating iconic visual representations that have defined our perception of the character.

Honoré Daumier (19th Century): Known for his expressive lithographs and paintings of Don Quixote, Daumier captured the tragicomic essence of the knight and his squire with a poignant realism. His works highlight the humanity and folly of Quixote’s pursuits.

Don Quixote by Honoré Daumier (1868)

Pablo Picasso (1955): Picasso’s minimalist line drawing of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza has become one of the most recognized artistic depictions of the duo. The simple yet evocative lines capture the spirit of the novel’s dreamlike and abstract themes.

Salvador Dalí (1945): Dalí’s surreal interpretations of Don Quixote reflect the novel’s blending of reality and fantasy. His paintings and illustrations often emphasize the dreamlike and disorienting aspects of Quixote’s delusions.

Statues of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza can be found in public spaces around the world, most notably in Madrid’s Plaza de España, celebrating Cervantes’ lasting impact on global culture.

5. OTHER MEDIA: The character has also appeared in comics, video games, and even ballet, further illustrating the broad and varied influence of Cervantes’ masterpiece.

ACHIEVEMENTS Cervantes is widely regarded as the greatest writer in the Spanish language. Don Quixote has been translated into numerous languages and continues to influence literature, art, and popular culture worldwide.

Source: A Lifetimes' Reading Philip Ward,