Great Books/Reading Don Quixote

1896?, The ingenious gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, vol I

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, is a classic novel published in two parts, first in 1605 and later in 1615. The story follows the adventures of a man named Alonso Quixano, who reads so many chivalric romances that he loses his sanity and decides to become a knight-errant, renaming himself Don Quixote de la Mancha. He embarks on a series of misadventures in pursuit of chivalric ideals, often mistaking everyday objects and people for elements of his romantic fantasies.

Don Quixote is accompanied by his faithful squire, Sancho Panza, a simple farmer who is lured by the promise of riches and governorship of an island. The two set off on their quest to revive chivalry and bring justice to the world, though their exploits often end in disaster and ridicule.

One of the most famous episodes is Don Quixote's battle with windmills, which he believes to be ferocious giants. This scene exemplifies his delusional nature and the contrast between his idealism and reality. Throughout their journey, Sancho often provides a grounded perspective, balancing Don Quixote's lofty and impractical notions.

The novel explores themes such as the nature of reality and illusion, the conflict between idealism and practicality, and the social and moral values of the time. It also delves into the dynamics of friendship and loyalty, as seen in the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza.

Cervantes employs a mix of comedy, tragedy, and philosophical reflection, creating a multi-layered narrative that critiques contemporary Spanish society and the romanticized notions of knighthood. "Don Quixote" is considered one of the greatest works of literature and has had a profound influence on subsequent Western literature.

Assignment

Obtain a copy of the book. It is available in Wikisource, and is available from several libraries listed in Worldcat.

Read the book. Study the book.

Write an essay on one of the following topics:

In a Great Books University curriculum, discussion questions for "Don Quixote" by Miguel de Cervantes would likely aim to provoke deep analysis and critical thinking about the themes, characters, and narrative techniques in the novel. Here are some typical discussion questions:

1. Reality vs. Illusion: How does Cervantes explore the theme of reality versus illusion in "Don Quixote"? Provide examples of how Don Quixote’s perceptions differ from the reality around him. What does this say about human nature and the power of imagination?
2. Character Dynamics: Discuss the relationship between Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. How do their interactions and contrasting worldviews contribute to the novel’s themes? What does each character represent?
3. Satire and Critique: In what ways does Cervantes use "Don Quixote" to satirize the chivalric romances popular in his time? What are some specific examples of this satire, and what might Cervantes be criticizing about his society?
4. Madness and Sanity: Consider Don Quixote's madness. Is he truly mad, or is there a method to his madness? How do different characters in the novel react to Don Quixote’s behavior, and what does this reveal about their own perceptions of reality and sanity?
5. Narrative Structure: Examine the narrative structure of "Don Quixote". How does Cervantes’ use of a story within a story (metafiction) affect the reader’s understanding of the text? What is the significance of the various narrators and the references to historical and literary contexts within the novel?
6. Honor and Heroism: How does "Don Quixote" redefine the concepts of honor and heroism? Compare Don Quixote’s idea of heroism with that of the other characters in the novel. How does this comparison enhance the reader’s understanding of these concepts?
7. Social Critique: What social and political critiques can be found in "Don Quixote"? How does Cervantes address issues such as class, authority, and the institution of the church through his characters and their adventures?
8. Humor and Tragedy: Discuss the interplay of humor and tragedy in "Don Quixote". How does Cervantes balance these elements, and what effect does this balance have on the reader’s perception of Don Quixote and his quest?
9. Transformation and Growth: Analyze the development of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza throughout the novel. Do they change or grow as characters? What events or encounters significantly impact their development?
10. Legacy and Influence: How has "Don Quixote" influenced modern literature and popular culture? Can you identify elements from the novel that have been incorporated into contemporary works? What makes "Don Quixote" a timeless piece of literature?

These questions are designed to encourage students to engage deeply with the text, consider various interpretations, and understand the broader implications of Cervantes’ work.