The Knight Errant Takes the Road

Don Quixote

This thread follows Don Quixote from his book-fed reinvention through escalating adventures to his return home and recovery.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

Chivalric Obsession Chivalric Obsession from "Don Quixote". Chivalric Obsession Books and delusion Don Quixote reads romances of chivalry until their marvels displace ordinary judgment.

Chivalric Obsession from "Don Quixote". Chivalric Obsession Books and delusion Don Quixote reads romances of chivalry until their marvels displace ordinary judgment.

Chivalric Obsession Books and delusion Don Quixote reads romances of chivalry until their marvels displace ordinary judgment. He resolves to restore knight-errantry in a changed world. A self-made identity He names his horse Rocinante and his imagined lady Dulcinea del Toboso. These inventions make his private fantasy a public vocation.

The First Sally The First Sally from "Don Quixote". The First Sally A false castle Don Quixote leaves home alone and mistakes an inn for a castle.

The First Sally A false castle Don Quixote leaves home alone and mistakes an inn for a castle. Its ordinary people become, in his imagination, ladies and retainers. Knighting and departure The innkeeper humorously dubs him a knight. Don Quixote rides home for provisions and a squire, convinced that his calling has begun.

A Squire and an Island A Squire and an Island from "Don Quixote". A Squire and an Island Sancho joins Don Quixote persuades Sancho Panza to leave his family with promises of an island governorship.

A Squire and an Island from "Don Quixote". A Squire and an Island Sancho joins Don Quixote persuades Sancho Panza to leave his family with promises of an island governorship.

A Squire and an Island Sancho joins Don Quixote persuades Sancho Panza to leave his family with promises of an island governorship. Sancho's practical hopes become part of the expedition. Contrasting expectations The master seeks fame and adventure; the squire expects material reward. Their mismatched ambitions generate both companionship and comic friction.

The Second Sally The Second Sally from "Don Quixote". The Second Sally Repeated misreadings Don Quixote attacks windmills, flocks, and travelers after interpreting them through romances.

The Second Sally from "Don Quixote". The Second Sally Repeated misreadings Don Quixote attacks windmills, flocks, and travelers after interpreting them through romances.

The Second Sally Repeated misreadings Don Quixote attacks windmills, flocks, and travelers after interpreting them through romances. Sancho repeatedly identifies the ordinary reality he refuses to accept. Consequences accumulate The imagined victories bring real injuries and disputes. Sancho remains with his master, hoping that the promised reward may still arrive.

Return and Recovery Return and Recovery from "Don Quixote". Return and Recovery The final defeat The Knight of the White Moon defeats Don Quixote and requires him to return home for a year. Don Quixote keeps the pledge.

Return and Recovery from "Don Quixote". Return and Recovery The final defeat The Knight of the White Moon defeats Don Quixote and requires him to return home for a year. Don Quixote keeps the pledge.

Return and Recovery The final defeat The Knight of the White Moon defeats Don Quixote and requires him to return home for a year. Don Quixote keeps the pledge. Sanity restored At home he rejects his chivalric delusions, makes his will, and dies as Alonso Quixano the Good. The quest ends in grief rather than triumph.

Before the first sally

Early in the story

After the library scrutiny

During the early road adventures

At the end of the second part