Don Quixote and Dulcinea Relationship Analysis

Don Quixote written by Miguel de Cervantes is a satire that pokes fun at chivalry and attacks romance novels. Throughout the story, the protagonist Don Quixote, whose actual name is disputable, engages in various ridiculous adventures that are intended to make him look outrageous and bizarre. He constantly read books whenever he got the chance, using them as an escape to lose himself in, often trying to live out situations depicted in them.

Don Quixote is portrayed as a pathetic figure that appears to be going through a mid-life crisis. He read these books and ended up becoming so wrapped up in them. In many of the situations, Don Quixote has trouble distinguishing reality versus fantasy, and imagines things that aren’t literally there. He takes simple things and transforms them into grand and splendid things. For example, when Don Quixote thinks he sees ferocious giants, he’s actually looking at giant windmills. This journey Don Quixote embarks on is an escape for him. To put it simply, he doesn’t like what he has, and tries desperately to do something about his mundane lifestyle.

The journey Don Quixote goes on leads to an initiation or awakening. Don Quixote ventures outside of the norms of society. Some might say he is crazy because he didn’t conform to society, but in a way that is braver and nobler. Although some of his expeditions were outlandish, he still took risks many would be unwilling to do. For example, Don Quixote deserts a young boy who is trying to get compensated for his work, leaving him with his evil master who easily lies claiming he won’t cause any harm to the boy. In this situation Don Quixote also acts very naively, taking the word of someone who says one thing and does another. One common thread among all of his missions was to save a damsel in distress. His intentions were always favorable; however his distorted perception of reality left some citizens justifiably angry and confused. Another pattern that emerges throughout the story is...