Insanity In Don Quixote By Miguel De Cervantes

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In the novel Don Quixote by Miguel De Cervantes, he illustrates the journey of Alonso Quijano, a man who begins by reading books about knights and then decides to become one. Throughout the novel the reader realizes the insanity of Don Quixote through his actions, and situations he is involved in. Don Quixote begins in the village of La Mancha where he sets off to help the defenseless. Alonso Quijano 's reality is notably altered while he makes his transition from an average man to the insane Don Quixote, Man of La Mancha. Cervantes begins by introducing the main character Don Quixote, and describes his background including his family. Don Quixote has a large library within his house that holds all of his books about knights. After reading …show more content…

Throughout Don Quixote the theme of madness is apparent in several situations. In terms of Don Quixote de la Mancha, madness is defined as seeing things that are not really there or always being defensive. Most of the characters in the novel that interact with the Quixote would identify him as being insane. Don Quixote tries hard to live by the ideas of past knights including loyalty and honor, even though sometimes these things result in self humiliation. During the end of the book Don Quixote de la Mancha has a self reflection, and he realizes the person he has become. In the end of the novel Don Quixote says “My mind has been restored to me, and it is now clear and free, without those gloomy shadows of ignorance cast over me by my wretched, obsessive reading of those detestable books of chivalry. Now I can recognize their absurdity and their deceitfulness, and my only regret is that this discovery has come so late that it leaves me no time to make amends by reading other books that might be a light for my soul” (Cervantes, 554). The self reflection greatly help Don Quixote de la Mancha to return home before his death to again become Alonso Quijano. He reflected on his journey and many adventures he had and realize the insane actions, often hurting the people around him. Sancho Panza and Don Quixote de la Mancha had an expedition together that changed their lives