The Motif of Freedom, Human Dignity, and Awareness of a Common Human Destiny between Antiquity and Cervantes

Abstract

The legacy of antiquity forms a constituent part of Cervantes’ opus. The vicinity of the classical imaginarium, with which Cervantes became acquainted during his education and while living in Italy, is represented by classical elements, topics, and motifs. Through these, he establishes a constant dialogue with antiquity. However, the humanistic note in his opus is most noticeable in his constant defense of freedom and human dignity and the value of the human being, reflecting the Renaissance concept of the human person. Freedom becomes a key element and cornerstone of Cervantes’ poetics, linking to the Renaissance tradition. Cervantes frequently expresses the premise of human freedom and its fundamental value. This pro­nounced orientation toward freedom may be related to his personal experience and explained by his painful captivity in Algeria, where he spent five years. He started to write to survive and maintain clarity of mind and spirit.