The source of two exemplary novels: Cervantes, Luque Fajardo and the parable of the prodigal son

Abstract

In this article I explore similarities between Francisco de Luque Fajardo’s Fiel desengaño contra la ociosidad y los juegos (1603) and Cervantes’ El celoso extremeño, some of which were pointed to by Martín de Riquer in 1955. Luque’s text, El celoso extremeño and La ilustre fregona (1613) rework to some extent the biblical parable of the prodigal son (Luke 15:11-32), a sort of biblical micro-story that seems to have been used as a constructive element and a moral reference by both authors.