Name ______Class ______Date______
Miguel de Cervantes
c. 1547–1616
- As you read the biography below, think about
how Miguel de Cervantes’ talent and experiences
allowed him to write one of the most important
novels of all time.
Cervantes was born in Alcalá de Henares, a town
about 20 miles from Madrid, Spain. His father, a
minor noble, was a doctor who traveled from town
to town seeking work. As a result, we know little about the young Cervantes.
What is known about Cervantes’ life is colorful and full of both hardship and adventure. In 1569 at the age of 22, Cervantes went to Italy, where he studied Italian literature and philosophy. A year later, Cervantes enlisted in the Spanish army, where he was known for his courage. He was injured in battle in 1571 and his left hand was permanently
disabled as a result.
In 1575 Cervantes left Italy to return to Spain. But pirates kidnapped Cervantes on the way and sold him as a slave. After five years of slavery and four attempts to escape, Cervantes was finally ransomed. But the cost of his freedom was so high that both he and his family were ruined financially. Cervantes returned to Spain deep in debt. Cervantes took jobs as a government purchasing agent and a tax collector for several years. But he was a poor businessman. On two occasions when money was missing, Cervantes was imprisoned.
For years Cervantes took different jobs. He never made much money. Throughout the years, Cervantes wrote poetry, short stories, and more than 20 plays. His subjects, from his own experiences, included piracy, gypsies, freedom, and captivity.
Cervantes’ masterpiece is Don Quixote, one of the most celebrated books ever written. The main characters of the book, Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, are among the most widely known characters in fiction. The novel is a satire of life in Cervantes’ time. It points out the difference between what is ideal and what is real. Cervantes used the story to show the corruption in society and to call for reform. Don Quixote, published in two parts (1605 and 1615), influenced all European literature that came after it.
The highest literary prize awarded by the Spanish Ministry of Culture is called the Cervantes Prize
in honor of Miguel de Cervantes. It is awarded annually to the author whose Spanish language
work has most enriched Spanish culture.
.Constructed Response Self & Peer Scoring Sheet
- Read over and analyze the quality of your own constructed response.
- Use the guide and rubric below to score it as accurately as you can.
- Then read it aloud to your team or trade it with a partner. Have them
Short-Response Rubric
Question #1
3 / 2 / 1 / 0 / Self Total / Peer Total
Topic Sentence / Contains a strong topic sentence that insightfully answers the question / Contains a strong topic sentence that answers the question / Contains a topic sentence that answers the question appropriately / Does not contain a topic sentence or contains one with an incorrect answer
Text evidence #1 / Provides strong evidenceskillfully integrating appropriate direct quote or paraphrased situation from text to support response / Provides evidence using an appropriate direct quotation or paraphrased situation from text to support response / Demonstrates an attempt to use one detailor situation from the text to support response but detail is not as relevant as it could be / Does not use one detail or example from the text to support response
Text evidence #2 / Provides strong evidence skillfully integrating second appropriate direct quotation or paraphrased situation from text to support response / Provides second piece of evidence using an appropriate direct quotation or paraphrased situation from text to support response / Demonstrates an attempt to use a second detail or situation from the text to support response but detail is not as relevant as it could be / Does not use a second detail or example from the text to support response
Analysis of Evidence
x2 / Analyzes the details or situations cited as evidence making insightful connections between text, evidence, and question / Analyzes the details or situations cited as evidence making appropriate connections between text, evidence, and question / Demonstrates an attempt to analyze the detail(s) or situation(s) provided as evidence / Does not attempt to analyze detail(s)or situation(s)
Concluding Sentence / Contains a strong concluding sentence, offering insight
to topic / Contains a strong concluding sentence / Contains a concluding sentence / Does not use a concluding sentence
Grammar and Usage / Few or no grammar and usage errors do not impact readability / Many grammar and usage errors do not impact readability / Grammar and usage errors occasionally impact readability / Frequent grammar and usage errors impact readability
*Note: Grammar and Usage will not be assessed for responses that do not meet minimum of 4 sentences.
Self-Assessment: Total Score: ______out of 18 points = ______%
Rationale: ______
______
Peer Assessment (Name): ______Total Score: _____out of 18 points = _____%
Rationale: ______
The Renaissance and the Reformation Answer Key
Biography Miguel de Cervantes
WHAT DID YOU LEARN?
1. Miguel de Cervantes’ most famous work wasDon Quixote.
2. Possible answer: Cervantes led a colorful and adventurous life. His experiences may
have served as subjects for his writing such as his capture by pirates. He had
disappointments in life such as financial ruin and imprisonment. This may have
caused him to become disillusioned with society and want to write a satire about it.