by Bailey Musselman '18

Knox College's Spanish and English departments recently took advantage of a curious coincidence in history: the deaths of two of Europe's most influential literary minds, allegedly on the exact same day of April 23, 1616. Four hundred years later, Knox students celebrated the lives and works of authors Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare with presentations and performances.

There also was a whimsical element to the gathering, as students ate apple slices that had been arranged on a fruit platter in the shape of Shakespeare's face. 

"Miguel Cervantes and William Shakespeare promoted literature and its contribution to understanding the human experience," said Associate Professor of Modern Languages-Spanish Fernando Gomez.

Gomez led a lecture on Cervantes, while Visiting Assistant Professor of English Valerie Billing discussed the life and influences of Shakespeare.

According to Billing, she and Gomez decided to host this event because it provided an exciting opportunity for an interdisciplinary event during which we could think about some of the social and artistic concerns the two writers shared, "Even though, as far as we know, they never met."

"This event was also a unique opportunity to promote studies in Spanish," reflected Gomez. "I think it is important that people understand that Spanish is not just a language; it is a medium through which many great minds throughout the diverse Spanish-speaking world have used to communicate very important ideas that affect how we see ourselves and the world."

Billing and Gomez said that celebrations of Shakespeare and Cervantes are observed all around the world.

"I think what made our event at Knox unique was its student-centeredness," said Billing.

Both professors wanted students at the event to gain a better understanding of how the authors' works are still applicable today, so they asked a few students to discuss their research.

Vicki Martin ‘17 shared her research on Cervantes' famous Don Quijote. Martin recalled that as a prospective student, she attended Gomez's class on Cervantes—an experience that confirmed her decision to attend Knox. She plans to make her analysis of Don Qujiote a part of her senior capstone next year.

"I began my Knox career with Don Quijote, and am finishing it with him, too," said Martin.

Parker Adams '16 presented research that explored Ophelia's suicide in Shakespeare's Hamlet.

"Having the opportunity to share your work isn't unique to Knox, but to feel such affirmation and sincere encouragement might be," said Adams.

The event concluded with students from the Department of Theatre reciting Shakespeare's sonnets and excerpts from his plays.

"People from different areas of the Knox College community came out to attend this event, and I felt supported by the Knox community at large because of the representation in that room," reflected Adams. "It was amazing."