Cervantes and Shakespeare and their impact on the conservation of two Mediterranean fortifications

Abstract

When popular literature, based upon fact, fiction or somewhere in between, prominently features fortifications it can have a dramatic impact on values, significance and thus conservation. Literature exposes people to places they would not otherwise know and encourages attention, visitation and education. This article describes an investigation into the intersection of literature, history and fortifications. It compares and contrasts the authors Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra and William Shakespeare and their master works The Life and Exploits of the Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote de la Mancha, 1605 and The Tragedy of Othello, the Moor of Venice, 1603. Both of these masterpieces include the centuries-long conflict between Europe and the Ottoman Empire and fortifications. Cervantes wrote from first-hand experiences and mentions the specific fortifications of la Goleta in Tunis while Shakespeare found inspiration in other sources and only used general place names. Cervantes¿ view is from within the conflict while in service to the Spanish Crown while Shakespeare¿s view is distant and uses only the Venetian fortifications of Cyprus as a backdrop. Cervantes is widely regarded as the father of the modern novel while Shakespeare is known as the master of theatre. Upon the 400th anniversary of the death of two of literature¿s most renowned authors it is fitting to examine one aspect of their literary legacy ? fortifications. The objective of this investigation is to understand the long term impact that early literature has had upon the significance of these fortifications and their subsequent conservation.