Who was the first person to write a modern novel?
Although scholars differ in their opinions, Spanish writer Miguel de Cervantes (1547–1616) usually receives credit for writing the first modern novel, Don Quixote (1605 and 1615). A novel is a long, fictional narrative, written in prose (not poetry) in which the author depicts characters and events in a realistic manner. Don Quixote, which fits this description, tells the story of a gentleman landowner named Don Quixote, who imagines himself a medieval knight and becomes embroiled in numerous adventures with his sidekick Sancho Panza. Considered a masterpiece, the work inspired later writers to write adventure novels. Today the word “quixotic” describes someone who is foolishly romantic or idealistic, like the character Don Quixote. Further Information: Halliwell, Sarah, ed. The Renaissance: Artists and Writers. Austin,…
