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 agree with you about the niece. It did not make sense to me either. I did not expect her to tell the truth because she wouldn't want his anger directed at her but why not say a simple thief stole them? She could have used a lie that did not encourage his fantasy.
ReplyDeleteI was also noticing that everyone was playing along with him. Besides the monks, the only other person who wasn't giving into Don Quixote's fantasy is Sancho. I kept wondering what would have happened if people didn't play along. But it seems to me that no one has the guts to kill his dream.
ReplyDeleteMy take on their reasoning for lying to him about the books was that perhaps due to his mental state, believing that a thief stole them wouldn't be substantial enough. If they created an enchanter who whisked off the entire room, their assumption could be that Don won't try and go after him instead of a thief.
ReplyDeleteTheir intentions are good. They want to bring him back to sanity, and believe this is the only way to do it. Albeit the outcome was not what they expected, but their aim was honest.