el greco
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra wrote Don Quixote de la Mancha, first published in 1605. The novel follows the adventures of an eccentric nobleman, Don Quixote, and his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, as they embark on chivalrous quests that often blur the line between reality and fantasy.
Don Quixote
Don Quixote's first adventure is at a nearby inn that he imagines to be a castle.
Don Quixote actually rode an old horse, named Rosinante. His sidekick, Sancho Panza, rode a donkey named Dapples.
Miguel de Cervantes (1547-1616) usually receives credit for writing the first modern novel, Don Quixote (1605 and 1615). A novel is a long, fictional narrative, written in prose (not poetry) in which the author depicts characters and events in a realistic manner. Don Quixote, which fits this description, tells the story of a gentleman landowner named Alonzo Quitana, who imagines himself a medieval knight Don Quixote and becomes embroiled in numerous adventures with his sidekick Sancho Panza. Considered a masterpiece, the work inspired later writers to write adventure novels. Today the word "quixotic" describes someone who is foolishly romantic or idealistic, like the character Don Quixote.
In the story of Don Quixote and the windmills, the mood shifts between whimsical and delusional. Don Quixote sees the windmills as giants, showcasing his fantastical and chivalric mindset. The mood is often comical as the contrast between his perception and reality creates humor in the story.
Mandragola
The painting Picasso created for "Don Quixote" depicts the character Don Quixote and his sidekick Sancho Panza on horseback. Picasso's modernist style and use of bold lines and colors bring a sense of movement and expression to the characters. The painting captures the essence of the novel's themes of idealism and adventure.
Don Quixote mistakes the innkeeper for a castle keeper and treats the inn as a castle, referring to him as "my lord" and the inn as a noble castle. This is reflective of Don Quixote's delusional belief that he is a knight in the medieval era.
Don Quixote undertakes his quest to revive chivalry and seek justice because he becomes enamored with the romantic ideals of knights errant in the books he reads. He is inspired by a strong sense of duty and a desire to right wrongs and defend the helpless. His imagination transforms the mundane world around him into a fantastical realm ripe for adventure.
Sancho Panza serves as the loyal squire and comedic sidekick to Don Quixote in Miguel de Cervantes' novel "Don Quixote." He provides a contrast to Don Quixote's idealistic and knightly nature with his practicality and common sense. Sancho also serves as a mirror to the reader, reflecting on the absurdity and wisdom of his master's adventures.
Don Quixote is a middle-aged man who is obsessed with the idea of becoming a knight-errant. His squire, Sancho Panza, accompanies him on his adventures and serves as a loyal and comic sidekick. Other characters include Dulcinea, the love interest whom Don Quixote idolizes, and various villagers who encounter the knight's eccentric behavior.
Miguel de Cervantes. In his novel "Don Quixote," Cervantes satirizes the traditions of Spain's feudal past through the character of Don Quixote, who idealizes the chivalric values of medieval knights in a humorous and critical way.