The Curious Lives of Shakespeare and Cervantes

William Shakespeare and Miguel de Cervantes, two of the most celebrated literary figures in history, lived remarkably similar lives. Both were born in the same year, 1564, and both died in the same year, 1616. Both were also prolific writers, producing some of the most enduring works of literature ever created.

The Curious Lives of Shakespeare & Cervantes

by Webster Young

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	54 pages
Paperback	:	110 pages
Item Weight	:	6.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.28 x 8 inches
Hardcover	:	126 pages

FREE

Shakespeare is best known for his plays, including such masterpieces as Hamlet, Romeo and Juliet, and Macbeth. Cervantes is best known for his novel Don Quixote, a tale of an idealistic knight errant who sets out on a series of adventures.

Despite their many similarities, Shakespeare and Cervantes led very different lives. Shakespeare was born into a wealthy family in Stratford-upon-Avon, England. He attended grammar school and then went on to study law. However, he soon abandoned his legal career to pursue his passion for the theater.

Cervantes, on the other hand, was born into a poor family in Alcalá de Henares, Spain. He received little formal education and spent most of his life in poverty. He fought in the Spanish Armada against England and was captured and held prisoner for five years. After his release, he returned to Spain and began writing novels.

Despite their different backgrounds, Shakespeare and Cervantes shared a number of important qualities. Both were brilliant writers with a deep understanding of human nature. Both were also masters of language and created some of the most beautiful and memorable passages in all of literature.

The lives of Shakespeare and Cervantes are a testament to the power of human creativity. Both men overcame great obstacles to achieve their dreams and left behind a legacy that continues to inspire people around the world.

Shakespeare's Early Life

William Shakespeare was born in Stratford-upon-Avon, England, on April 23, 1564. His father, John Shakespeare, was a successful glover and wool dealer. His mother, Mary Arden, was the daughter of a wealthy farmer.

Shakespeare was the third of eight children. He attended grammar school in Stratford, where he studied Latin, Greek, and rhetoric. He also read widely, and his early exposure to literature had a profound impact on his development as a writer.

Shakespeare's Career

In 1582, Shakespeare married Anne Hathaway, a woman eight years his senior. The couple had three children: Susanna, Hamnet, and Judith.

Shakespeare's early career is shrouded in mystery. He may have worked as a teacher or an actor before joining the Lord Chamberlain's Men, a theater company, in 1594.

Shakespeare quickly became one of the most successful playwrights in England. His plays were performed at the Globe Theatre and other theaters in London. He also wrote poetry and sonnets, which were widely admired.

Shakespeare's Death

Shakespeare retired to Stratford in 1610. He died on April 23, 1616, at the age of 52. He was buried in the Holy Trinity Church in Stratford.

Cervantes' Early Life

Miguel de Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares, Spain, on September 29, 1547. His father, Rodrigo de Cervantes, was a poor surgeon. His mother, Leonor de Cortinas, was the daughter of a shoemaker.

Cervantes received little formal education. He attended school for a few years, but he was often sick and had to stay home. He read widely, however, and his knowledge of literature and history was extensive.

Cervantes' Career

In 1569, Cervantes joined the Spanish Armada, which was sent to invade England. He was captured by the English and held prisoner for five years.

After his release, Cervantes returned to Spain and began writing novels. His first novel, Don Quixote, was published in 1605. It was a huge success and made Cervantes famous.

Cervantes continued to write novels and plays for the rest of his life. He died in Madrid on April 22, 1616, at the age of 68.

Cervantes' Death

Cervantes was buried in the Convent of the Trinitarianas in Madrid. His grave was lost for centuries, but it was rediscovered in 2015.

The Legacy of Shakespeare and Cervantes

Shakespeare and Cervantes are two of the most celebrated literary figures in history. Their works have been translated into dozens of languages and have been performed and read by millions of people around the world.

The legacy of Shakespeare and Cervantes is a lasting one. Their work continues to inspire and entertain people of all ages. They are truly two of the greatest writers who ever lived.

The Curious Lives of Shakespeare & Cervantes

by Webster Young

4 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	3375 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	54 pages
Paperback	:	110 pages
Item Weight	:	6.2 ounces
Dimensions	:	5 x 0.28 x 8 inches
Hardcover	:	126 pages

FREE