Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616), Spain's literary titan, lived amidst the richness of the Spanish Golden age. He endured captivity in Algiers, financial struggles, and served in the Battle of Lepanto, experiences that infused his writing with depth. "Don Quixote," published in two parts (1605 and 1615), arose in post-Inquisition Spain, a Time of intense religious and political ferment. Initially met with acclaim for its innovative narrative and satire of chivalric romances, it quickly transcended its era, Shaping the modern novel's Form. Its enduring legacy lies in its Exploration of reality vs. Illusion, influencing countless artists and thinkers globally, including the Surrealists, Sigmund Freud, and even postmodern Literature, proving Don Quixote's unbounded cultural Resonance.
Guiding Question
What is the cost of chasing impossible dreams?