Introduction: Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
Although heroes mostly lead heroic lives and are universally recognized as such by those around them, the case of Don Quixote poses a question: “Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?” In fact, he aspires to be seen as a hero, a knight-errant, from the very beginning, yet fails to convince anyone he encounters of his heroic status until the end. It’s not merely due to his lack of a complete knightly appearance, but rather because he fails to adopt the mental characteristics of a true knight. He exists in a state where his attempt to become a knight places him in an incongruous and comical position. In reality, he behaves more like a person suffering from madness, detached from reality. His insanity stems from his extensive reading of chivalric literature, his delusion of being a knight, and his fixation on gaining knightly honor.
Knightly Romance: Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
In the very first chapter, it is revealed that Don Quixote is “in the habit of reading books on chivalry with such pleasure and devotion” (Cervantes 2228), which later evolves into a consuming fantasy that he cannot resist embodying. This obsession not only deepens his “curiosity and infatuation” (2228), but also leads him to acquire armor, a sword, and a horse named “Rocinante,” all influenced by characters from books like “Palmerin of England” or “Amadis of Gaul” (2228). He even creates his beloved, whom he calls “Aldonza Lorenzo” (2229), despite being aware that he has not been “formally dubbed a knight” (2230). Additionally, following tradition, he secures a squire from his village and adopts the demeanor of a knight during his errands, often leading to humorous situations.
Defects: Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
There is indeed a notable mental deficiency or defect in Don Quixote. Despite being aware that he lacks the entitlement to be called a knight, he adopts the demeanor nonetheless. For instance, he tells fleeing ladies that it is not “in accordance with the order of knighthood” (2231) for him to address them, despite knowing he isn’t a true knight. He persists in pretending to be a knight, even when faced with situations that should deter him, such as when he kneels before the innkeeper to arrange accommodations, causing the innkeeper to suspect his sanity (2234). When a fellow villager encounters him after a skirmish with a muleteer, he is astonished by Don Quixote’s nonsensical behavior (2243). However, Don Quixote continues to attribute his actions to his own mental deficiency until he fully realizes the extent of his delusion and resolves to cease his former madness (2246). His subsequent ridicule of his squire, Sancho, for not knowing the ordinances of chivalry further demonstrates his lack of sound judgment.
Obsession: Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
As Don Quixote continues to repeat the same actions without learning from his experiences, it becomes evident that he is obsessed with attaining knightly honor. His insistence on kneeling before the innkeeper to adhere to proper protocol, as well as his use of chivalric language and speeches, highlight his refusal to acknowledge reality. Despite the confusion of the goatherds regarding his nonsensical talk of squires and knight-errants, he persists in trying to impress them with his false identity as a knight (2261). Even encounters such as his fights with muleteers and windmills fail to correct his behavior, as his obsession persists until the end.
In short, Don Quixote’s character gives rise to the concept of Quixotism, representing a person who acts irrationally and persists in their delusions despite knowing they are behaving madly. His Quixotic deeds often lead to humorous situations, such as mistaking windmills for “lawless giants” (2247). This demonstrates that Don Quixote is indeed afflicted by a form of madness, characterized by his obsessive pursuit of knightly honor despite its absurdity.
Works Cited: Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
- Cervantes, Miquael De. “Don Quixote.” Mack, Maynard. The Norton Anthology Of World Masterpieces. Eds. Bernard MW Knox, and John C. McGalliard. Vol. 2. New York: Norton, 1980.
Relevant Questions about Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic?
- Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic? How does Miguel de Cervantes use irony and satire in “Don Quixote” to explore the line between madness and heroism in the character of Don Quixote?
- Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic? In what ways does Don Quixote’s perception of reality challenge societal norms and expectations, and how does this contribute to the debate over his sanity versus his heroism?
- Is Don Quixote Simply Crazy or Heroic? Can Don Quixote’s actions be interpreted as a critique of the societal constructs of heroism and sanity, or are they simply the delusions of a madman? How do different characters in the novel perceive Don Quixote’s quest, and what does this reveal about their own beliefs and values?
