Exemplary Novels (Masterplots: Revised Category Edition, European Fiction Series)
At a glance:
- Author: Miguel de Cervantes
- First Published: 1613
- Type of Work: Novellas
- Principal Characters: Rinconete, Cortadillo, Preciosa, Cipion, Berganza, Tomas Rodaja
- Genres: Short fiction
- Subjects: Dogs, Love or romance, Crime or criminals, Marriage, Jealousy, envy, or resentment, Mental illness, Gypsies
Miguel de Cervantes, the great novelist of Spain’s Golden Age (1554-1681), had two ambitions: to compose deathless poetry and to write excellent drama. As a poet, he finally confessed that he was “more experienced in reverses than in verses.” In drama, he was no more fortunate. Despite such confidence that he once signed a contract to supply the finest plays the manager had ever seen or not expect payment, he knew too little about dramatic technique to be successful. Only his short plays continue to be read as “slices of life.” One of the most pathetic titles ever given a book...
[The entire page is 1616 words long]
