I'm feeling really bad for Sancho. Poor guy is getting tossed around in blankets, beat up constantly, and now it seems he might have caught the insanity bug from Don Quixote. The group that is tricking Don Quixote with the fake princess seems to believe so because Sancho believes that Don Quixote could be an emperor.
But I am not convinced just yet that he is insane. Looking at Sancho's situation I think he has to believe that Don Quixote will succeed as a knight or he will not be able to get his island. Sancho is a peasant and working for Don Quixote is the only way he can see to provide for himself and his family.
The other reason I do not think he has jumped on the crazy train is because he plays along with the priest and the barber's plan to lead Don Quixote back. He doesn't carry out Don Quixote's instructions to visit the Lady Dulcinea and his false story about the trip holds more true the reality of Dulcinea than Don Quixote's vision of her.
We will have to see if insanity is a slow progression or if Sancho will continue to be the sane one on Don Quixote's adventures.
Sunday, December 5, 2010
Saturday, November 20, 2010
It's okay Don Quixote, I don't like counting sheep either
So as I further progress into the MISadventures of Don Quixote, I feel like I am reading the manual of "What Not To Do If You Go Insane And Suddenly Think You're A Knight" by Miguel De Cervantes.
This book is the idiots guide to getting yourself beat up over and over again. Be it by windmills, shepherds or any person who happens to pass by you on the road. It also gives great detail in how to attack religious men, respectfully sexually harass women (although sister, you shouldn't be walking into strange men's rooms in the middle of the night), and kill sheep. A lot of sheep. But I am willing to let that one slide because everyone mistakes a herd of sheep for a menacing army at some point in their lives--it happens to the best of us.
And at this point not only has Don Quixote put himself through hell, he has dragged his ever faithful Sancho across the coals as well. One would think that after everything poor Sancho has gone through he at least can have one wordy, verbose moment of his own. But no. Don Quixote calls the story on account of sheep. Or more preciously, the counting of sheep.
I will admit Sancho's story telling abilities are not up to par. And I sure as heck didn't want to hear how 300 sheep were one by one brought over a river. But apparently it was crucial to the story of a young man leaving and the young girl that admired him, running not far behind.
But in spite of all Don Quixote's shortcomings, occasionally he lets loose a few golden nuggets of wisdom.
"This is the natural disposition of the sex [women], said Don Quixote, to disdain those who adore them, and love those by whom they are abhorred [...]"
Yes ladies! Even Don Quixote knows how much we love cocky, sarcastic, insanely hot assholes!
If only I read this book seven years ago. My life would be totally different!
Well, not really. I would occasionally have little "Don Quixote warned me about this" moments and a greater fondness for lamb steaks and woolly creatures. Maybe some sheep memorabilia scattered around my apartment. Who knows!
This book is the idiots guide to getting yourself beat up over and over again. Be it by windmills, shepherds or any person who happens to pass by you on the road. It also gives great detail in how to attack religious men, respectfully sexually harass women (although sister, you shouldn't be walking into strange men's rooms in the middle of the night), and kill sheep. A lot of sheep. But I am willing to let that one slide because everyone mistakes a herd of sheep for a menacing army at some point in their lives--it happens to the best of us.
And at this point not only has Don Quixote put himself through hell, he has dragged his ever faithful Sancho across the coals as well. One would think that after everything poor Sancho has gone through he at least can have one wordy, verbose moment of his own. But no. Don Quixote calls the story on account of sheep. Or more preciously, the counting of sheep.
I will admit Sancho's story telling abilities are not up to par. And I sure as heck didn't want to hear how 300 sheep were one by one brought over a river. But apparently it was crucial to the story of a young man leaving and the young girl that admired him, running not far behind.
But in spite of all Don Quixote's shortcomings, occasionally he lets loose a few golden nuggets of wisdom.
"This is the natural disposition of the sex [women], said Don Quixote, to disdain those who adore them, and love those by whom they are abhorred [...]"
Yes ladies! Even Don Quixote knows how much we love cocky, sarcastic, insanely hot assholes!
If only I read this book seven years ago. My life would be totally different!
Well, not really. I would occasionally have little "Don Quixote warned me about this" moments and a greater fondness for lamb steaks and woolly creatures. Maybe some sheep memorabilia scattered around my apartment. Who knows!
Wednesday, November 10, 2010
The virgins aren't safe anymore...
I'm amused by this "golden age" that Don Quixote speaks of, where virgins are free to roam the countryside without fear!! I wasn't aware that virgins were in such danger, or that they couldn't roam around!! I just thought it was funny, I don't really have an social commentary to add to it.
So I have shifted from thinking that Quixote was just a man trying to have a little fun, to a man who is delusional. He thinks inns are castles and that big men are giants and that sheep are secretly knights in shining armor too! He doesn't seem to be living in our world, he's off in la-la land. And he uses it to get of paying his lodging bills too!! I wonder if this excuse will work in real life too?
Basically Don Quixote is Michael Scott. And Sancho Panza is Dwight Schrute. Their hijinks never seem to end, no matter how hard they try.
I'm not too sure how Dunder Mifflin fits into the story but its there!
Of course it could all be sorcery too, nothing is as it seems anymore.
So I have shifted from thinking that Quixote was just a man trying to have a little fun, to a man who is delusional. He thinks inns are castles and that big men are giants and that sheep are secretly knights in shining armor too! He doesn't seem to be living in our world, he's off in la-la land. And he uses it to get of paying his lodging bills too!! I wonder if this excuse will work in real life too?
Basically Don Quixote is Michael Scott. And Sancho Panza is Dwight Schrute. Their hijinks never seem to end, no matter how hard they try.
I'm not too sure how Dunder Mifflin fits into the story but its there!
Of course it could all be sorcery too, nothing is as it seems anymore.
Visions of Pallas Athene and a Horny Horse
There is always the girl who is beautiful and accused of being the cause of death for some poor romantic soul. In Don Quixote's case her name is Marcela and the poor sap who died from love is Grisostomo. As will all young romantic men, he immediately proclaimed his love for her and began writing poetry for her.
But of course, tragedy befalls when she declines his advances. Instead of persuing her like Pan after Pytis he dies and accuses Marcela of being the murderer. The goatherds all gather together for the mans funeral and thus are confronted by Marcela, who informs them it's not her fault he died. She simply wants to be left with nature. She did not ask for the beauty which was bestowed upon her. She chose to be part of nature.
Marcela reminds me of Athena in the sense that she has decided she will not marry at all. As she points out that the only reason the men are interested in her is because of her chastity, she does not believe they will have any interest in her once she becomes un-chaste. Which makes sense, because for centuries, a woman's chastity was held above all things. When a woman wasn't considered chaste, and out of wedlock, she was considered no better than a whore.
Athena, despite being the goddess of war and wisdom, etc, was praised for being a virgin. It was one of the many reasons the Parthenon was built for her. To me, Marcela showed the wisdom angle. She knew the only reason men wanted her was for her beauty and virginity. Instead of giving up her virginity, she decided on a life of solitude and chastity
I also noticed the rhyming pattern to the poems that Cervantes puts into the works. They're all A/B A/B. It flows off the tongue pretty well. The goatherd's poem entertained me quite a bit, just as it entertained Don Quixote.
But poor Rocinante! The poor horse wanted nothing more than to get laid when he saw all those mares coming his way. Then what happens? The people who own the horses decided that was unacceptable and beat the poor guy down! Don and Sancho faired little better when they ran to his defense. I have to admit I'm very impressed that Sancho hasn't wrung Don's neck yet. He's the loyal sidekick that sticks around no matter what. I like the pairing. One of them is the realist and the other the dreamer. It must be super hard being a realist. I wouldn't know :-)
But of course, tragedy befalls when she declines his advances. Instead of persuing her like Pan after Pytis he dies and accuses Marcela of being the murderer. The goatherds all gather together for the mans funeral and thus are confronted by Marcela, who informs them it's not her fault he died. She simply wants to be left with nature. She did not ask for the beauty which was bestowed upon her. She chose to be part of nature.
Marcela reminds me of Athena in the sense that she has decided she will not marry at all. As she points out that the only reason the men are interested in her is because of her chastity, she does not believe they will have any interest in her once she becomes un-chaste. Which makes sense, because for centuries, a woman's chastity was held above all things. When a woman wasn't considered chaste, and out of wedlock, she was considered no better than a whore.
Athena, despite being the goddess of war and wisdom, etc, was praised for being a virgin. It was one of the many reasons the Parthenon was built for her. To me, Marcela showed the wisdom angle. She knew the only reason men wanted her was for her beauty and virginity. Instead of giving up her virginity, she decided on a life of solitude and chastity
I also noticed the rhyming pattern to the poems that Cervantes puts into the works. They're all A/B A/B. It flows off the tongue pretty well. The goatherd's poem entertained me quite a bit, just as it entertained Don Quixote.
But poor Rocinante! The poor horse wanted nothing more than to get laid when he saw all those mares coming his way. Then what happens? The people who own the horses decided that was unacceptable and beat the poor guy down! Don and Sancho faired little better when they ran to his defense. I have to admit I'm very impressed that Sancho hasn't wrung Don's neck yet. He's the loyal sidekick that sticks around no matter what. I like the pairing. One of them is the realist and the other the dreamer. It must be super hard being a realist. I wouldn't know :-)
Tuesday, November 9, 2010
Dear Don Quixote, Write Me a Love Song.
"Here, Don Quixote uttered a grievous sigh, saying. 'I am not positively certain, whether or not, that beauteous enemy of mine, takes pleasure in the world's knowing I am her slave; this only I can say, in answer to the question you asked, with so much civility, that her name is Dulcinea; her native country a certain part of Valencia called El Toboso; her station must at least be that of a princess, since she is queen and lady of my soul; her beauty, supernatural, in that it justifies all the impossible, and chimerical attributes of excellence, which the poets bestow upon their nymphs; her hair is of gold, her forehead the Elysian fields, her eyebrows heavenly arches, her eyes themselves suns, her cheeks roses, her lips of coral, her teeth of pearl, her neck alabaster, her breast marble, her hands ivory, her skin whiter than snow, and those parts which decency conceals from human view, are such, according to my belief and apprehension, as discretion ought to enhance above all comparison.'"
For all his running around, attacking windmills, hanging with goatherds and using the most flowery, verbose language, Senor Don Quixote does one thing very well: he holds all women he encounters in high esteem regardless of station, appearance and age. If madness is the mark of a true gentleman, then I want my man to be certified insane--complete with white jacket and circular room.
For all his running around, attacking windmills, hanging with goatherds and using the most flowery, verbose language, Senor Don Quixote does one thing very well: he holds all women he encounters in high esteem regardless of station, appearance and age. If madness is the mark of a true gentleman, then I want my man to be certified insane--complete with white jacket and circular room.
Monday, November 1, 2010
The Age of Chivalry and Wind Mills is Not Dead…Yet!
I can't decide if Don Quixote is mad or just a free spirit. He honestly believes that he is a knight in (some what) shining armor. Whether he is talking to two (prostitutes) princesses or being knighted (by an innkeeper no less!) he is wandering the countryside in pursuit of chivalry and glory. Personally I want to believe that he is sane, and that he truly believes that the age of chivalry is not dead, just his for the taking.
I find him to be a braver person (although some may find him delusional). He ignores those who belittle and treat him poorly, and continues on his quest. I think that takes guts and strength to ignore those who tell you that can't do anything, that chasing your dreams is just that, a dream, something you won't accomplish.
Although from a literary perspective it seems as the supporting characters are encouraging something they shouldn't. They meet this man, who seems pretty crazy and instead of trying to talk some sense into him, they just play along and exacerbate the situation. But to me I think he has good intentions, no matter how bizarre and dangerous they may seem.
One of the things that does bother me is Don Quixote's niece. She decides that all of his books about chivalry and poetry need to be burned, so that he can forget about being a night and go back to being normal. So they do and instead of telling him what happened to the books, she lies and tells them that an enchanter has taken them. So she wants him to forget about what he is doing, and instead of trying to help him she lies about the very thing she wants him to forget? That doesn't make much sense to me. Plus its funny that Cervantes tells the readers that his books are too valuable to burn (nice ego there buddy!!)
So far one of my favorite parts is when he fights the windmills (giants)!! That is the one thing about the book that is the most famous and often referenced in popular culture. Its very humorous to me, of all the things he can find to fight, its these!! Not only that but the windmill manages to beat him in the process!!
As the story progresses I have learned that same theme that you get from a ton of books (and tv and movies too) these days: you can do anything if you put your mind to it! Which can sound cliched sure, unless you are Don Quixote de la Mancha.
I find him to be a braver person (although some may find him delusional). He ignores those who belittle and treat him poorly, and continues on his quest. I think that takes guts and strength to ignore those who tell you that can't do anything, that chasing your dreams is just that, a dream, something you won't accomplish.
Although from a literary perspective it seems as the supporting characters are encouraging something they shouldn't. They meet this man, who seems pretty crazy and instead of trying to talk some sense into him, they just play along and exacerbate the situation. But to me I think he has good intentions, no matter how bizarre and dangerous they may seem.
One of the things that does bother me is Don Quixote's niece. She decides that all of his books about chivalry and poetry need to be burned, so that he can forget about being a night and go back to being normal. So they do and instead of telling him what happened to the books, she lies and tells them that an enchanter has taken them. So she wants him to forget about what he is doing, and instead of trying to help him she lies about the very thing she wants him to forget? That doesn't make much sense to me. Plus its funny that Cervantes tells the readers that his books are too valuable to burn (nice ego there buddy!!)
So far one of my favorite parts is when he fights the windmills (giants)!! That is the one thing about the book that is the most famous and often referenced in popular culture. Its very humorous to me, of all the things he can find to fight, its these!! Not only that but the windmill manages to beat him in the process!!
As the story progresses I have learned that same theme that you get from a ton of books (and tv and movies too) these days: you can do anything if you put your mind to it! Which can sound cliched sure, unless you are Don Quixote de la Mancha.
And I Thought I had Problems Living in Reality
So, yes, the Don is off his rocker. In a huge way, but it's endearing on him some how. He's so determined to be the valiant knight that rights the wrongs of the evildoers that I kinda want to hug him!
I know from my own experience how easy it is to allow yourself to get so absorbed in what you're reading that you imagine it coming to life. There are things that have really risen to life with cult classics, i.e. Rocky Horror Picture Show or Anne Rice. While I don't believe that people actually truly believe there is a galaxy called Translyvania with a planet called Transsexual in it, there is something amazing to them about coming to life in characters that were created in said movie.
My heart broke a little when the barber, curate, housekeeper and niece stepped in to restore his sanity. While they are sitting there listing off all these volumes, and even hoarding a couple for themselves because they feel that the particular book they're looking at is too precious to destroy, it's interesting how far they think they should go to restore the Don to his sanity. Of course the outcome was definitely not what they bargained for, but the intentions were good!
One thing I noticed was that Cervantes worked himself into the story, by making his books to precious to be destroyed. One of the characters explains how long he has been friends with Cervantes and knows his books are not culprits to the outcome of Don's mental state. It's cool to see that he did intwine himself into the book like that. A lot of authors like to put aspects of themselves into characters, but to actually just put yourself into the story like that....well, that's just cool.
Whenever I find a book that I enjoy so much, I can always find myself acting out the plot with my friends in the supporting character roles. In my head at least. I don't think I could ever explain to anyone why I'm using a stick as a staff to ward off the evil beings coming at me. I can see why Quixote would do it, but I'm just glad that my sanity is still intact!
I know from my own experience how easy it is to allow yourself to get so absorbed in what you're reading that you imagine it coming to life. There are things that have really risen to life with cult classics, i.e. Rocky Horror Picture Show or Anne Rice. While I don't believe that people actually truly believe there is a galaxy called Translyvania with a planet called Transsexual in it, there is something amazing to them about coming to life in characters that were created in said movie.
My heart broke a little when the barber, curate, housekeeper and niece stepped in to restore his sanity. While they are sitting there listing off all these volumes, and even hoarding a couple for themselves because they feel that the particular book they're looking at is too precious to destroy, it's interesting how far they think they should go to restore the Don to his sanity. Of course the outcome was definitely not what they bargained for, but the intentions were good!
One thing I noticed was that Cervantes worked himself into the story, by making his books to precious to be destroyed. One of the characters explains how long he has been friends with Cervantes and knows his books are not culprits to the outcome of Don's mental state. It's cool to see that he did intwine himself into the book like that. A lot of authors like to put aspects of themselves into characters, but to actually just put yourself into the story like that....well, that's just cool.
Whenever I find a book that I enjoy so much, I can always find myself acting out the plot with my friends in the supporting character roles. In my head at least. I don't think I could ever explain to anyone why I'm using a stick as a staff to ward off the evil beings coming at me. I can see why Quixote would do it, but I'm just glad that my sanity is still intact!
Sunday, October 31, 2010
"Don't Dream it, Be It"
Here I am on October 31, 2010 reading about a slightly loopy knight, failed adventures and windmills waiting for 10:30 to roll around so I can go into a world of travestites, sexual exploration and B-movie makeup jobs. Then this thought pops into my head--Don Quixote and Dr. Frank-N-Furter both have a thing about bad costumes, epically failed plans and living life the way they want to--regardless of the consequences. Don Quixote and Dr. Frank-N-Furter don't sit there brooding about their lives, they actually live them. And here is the kicker, they don't care what other people think!
I have to admit that I find Don Quixote to be completely off his rocker. But there is something to be said for someone who has the courage to go live their dream. I know more then one person, myself included, who would love to totally absorb themselves in a world of fantasy. Am I saying that people should dress up and start battling cars during rush hour traffic--No. But what I am saying is that it is okay to hold on to some pieces of the fantastical and it is okay to believe in the unbelievable.
But most importantly, it is okay to step out for yourself and achieve the goals you want. Whether it is becoming a knight, losing 20lbs or just learning to style or hair a different way. No matter what there will be people telling you that you can't do it or you are crazy for trying. But I say screw it! I may be a little crazy but at least I am in good company.
Don't Dream It--Be IT!
I have to admit that I find Don Quixote to be completely off his rocker. But there is something to be said for someone who has the courage to go live their dream. I know more then one person, myself included, who would love to totally absorb themselves in a world of fantasy. Am I saying that people should dress up and start battling cars during rush hour traffic--No. But what I am saying is that it is okay to hold on to some pieces of the fantastical and it is okay to believe in the unbelievable.
But most importantly, it is okay to step out for yourself and achieve the goals you want. Whether it is becoming a knight, losing 20lbs or just learning to style or hair a different way. No matter what there will be people telling you that you can't do it or you are crazy for trying. But I say screw it! I may be a little crazy but at least I am in good company.
Don't Dream It--Be IT!
The insanity of Don Quixote
I find it very interesting that this book is set around an insane main character. I keep wondering what direction this book is going to go - if Don Quixote will continue being a knight or if he will ever come to his senses?
Don Quixote is using art to create a life for himself. Can someone invent themselves by only reading fictional books? Perhaps if he was not insane he could be a decent knight because then he would not be delusional. But may be he has to be insane because it seems no sane person would attempt to be a knight at this time. I wonder if Don Quixote will ever be successful as a knight. His first adventure of rescuing the boy was in reality not successful even though Don Quixote believed it was. His actions led to the boy being beaten worse than he would have before Don Quixote arrived. I felt this set the tone for his future adventures but I also suspect he will have to be successful at some point.
Don Quixote is using art to create a life for himself. Can someone invent themselves by only reading fictional books? Perhaps if he was not insane he could be a decent knight because then he would not be delusional. But may be he has to be insane because it seems no sane person would attempt to be a knight at this time. I wonder if Don Quixote will ever be successful as a knight. His first adventure of rescuing the boy was in reality not successful even though Don Quixote believed it was. His actions led to the boy being beaten worse than he would have before Don Quixote arrived. I felt this set the tone for his future adventures but I also suspect he will have to be successful at some point.
Thursday, October 28, 2010
One Random Thought
Does anyone else hear John Lithgow's voice when they imagine Don Quixote speaking in their head? I know he played the title character in a movie, but I keep hearing Lord Farquad coming through and wanted to know if y'all hear it too?
Wednesday, October 27, 2010
Ye Olde Ingenious Hidalgo Don Quixote of La Mancha
I have to say that I haven't made it very far in Don Quixote, only to the prologue! Unfortunately the entire prologue reminded me of trying to read some of Shakespeare's plays, lots of thee's and thou's. I suppose that I shouldn't be surprised since this was published from 1605-1615, and that was the standard English of the time, but I just found myself having trouble wrapping my mind around it!!
Which now that I think about it I sadly thought that this book was newer, around the 1700s or 1800s.
I did some wikipediaing because I was interested in seeing what information there was on the book as well as the author and I learned that both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare are said to have passed away on the same day, April 23, 1616. But its in dispute apparently!
I've seen a lot of different spoofs and movies about this book, including the Wishbone version on PBS back in the day, but I never considered actually reading it. I'm looking forward to it and I hope that it is as good as all the stuff I've seen and heard about it!!
Which now that I think about it I sadly thought that this book was newer, around the 1700s or 1800s.
I did some wikipediaing because I was interested in seeing what information there was on the book as well as the author and I learned that both Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare are said to have passed away on the same day, April 23, 1616. But its in dispute apparently!
I've seen a lot of different spoofs and movies about this book, including the Wishbone version on PBS back in the day, but I never considered actually reading it. I'm looking forward to it and I hope that it is as good as all the stuff I've seen and heard about it!!
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Post 1 -- just cuz I'm gonna!
So, during my stint with Jane Eyre, Katie graciously offered to read it with me to give me a buddy through the semi-agony. I knew since I was over halfway through that I'd finish before she caught up to me. When I completed that one, I told her I was considering Don Quixote next. This selection was made because a coworker of mine said he thought I, in particular, would enjoy reading it.
After I mentioned it to Katie, she said she hadn't read it so I asked if she wanted to read it with me! Thus began our small book group. The suggestion came up to invite our sisters to join us, and a quick text was thrown out and I got responses super fast! We wanted to find a way to communicate with each other about the book (as 2 of us are in different time zones phone calls can be difficult at times). Thus the blog!
We're gonna have lots of fun with this book and talking to each other about! I can just feel it!!
After I mentioned it to Katie, she said she hadn't read it so I asked if she wanted to read it with me! Thus began our small book group. The suggestion came up to invite our sisters to join us, and a quick text was thrown out and I got responses super fast! We wanted to find a way to communicate with each other about the book (as 2 of us are in different time zones phone calls can be difficult at times). Thus the blog!
We're gonna have lots of fun with this book and talking to each other about! I can just feel it!!
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