DON QUIXOTE

COMPREHENSION RESPONSE:

1. What effect did the reading of so many books on the adventures of knights have on Don
Quixote?

Don Quixote’s extensive reading of knightly adventures led him to become obsessed with chivalric
ideals, blurring his perception of reality and prompting him to believe he was a knight on a noble
quest.

2. What is humorous about his attempt to repair his great-grandfather’s armor?

The humor in his attempt to repair his great-grandfather’s armor lies in the impracticality and
absurdity of the task, reflecting Don Quixote’s misguided interpretation of chivalry.

3. What is funny about the naming of his horse?

The humor in naming his horse Rocinante stems from the contrast between the grand-sounding
name and the horse’s humble and worn-out appearance, adding a touch of irony to his quest.

4. What is funny about his selection of a lady love?

The comedy in his selection of a lady love, Dulcinea del Toboso, is derived from the fact that she is a
fictional character, emphasizing Don Quixote’s detachment from reality.

5. What was the purpose of his first sally?

The purpose of his first sally was to revive chivalry by righting perceived wrongs, showcasing his
delusional belief in the need for heroic deeds in the mundane world.

VALUES:

1. Does what a person read affect his character?

Yes, what a person reads can influence their character. Don Quixote’s reading of chivalric novels
significantly shaped his perceptions and behaviors, leading to his eccentric and idealistic outlook.

2. Would you say that Don Quixote was insane?

Don Quixote’s actions and beliefs, driven by his distorted view of reality, might be interpreted as a
form of madness. However, some argue that his insanity is a product of his fervent imagination and
idealism.

3. Show instances where his overworked imagination caused him to confuse fancy with reality.

Instances of Don Quixote confusing fancy with reality include mistaking windmills for giants and an
ordinary inn for a castle. These occurrences highlight the impact of his overactive imagination on his
understanding of the world.

4. If Don Quixote were your acquaintance, how would you treat him?

If Don Quixote were my acquaintance, I would approach him with empathy and understanding,
recognizing the depth of his imagination. While maintaining a sense of reality, I’d engage in
conversations that acknowledge his perspective and gently guide him toward a more balanced view.

5. Are there Don Quixotes in our present-day society? How should they be handled?

There are individuals in our present-day society who exhibit Don Quixote-like traits, often driven by
idealism or a skewed perception of reality. Handling them requires a delicate balance of compassion
and rationality. Encouraging open dialogue and offering support to address the root causes of their
beliefs can be beneficial.

VOCABULARY BUILDING:

1. What is your idea of an old-fashioned gentleman? An old-fashioned lady?

An old-fashioned gentleman is characterized by traditional manners, politeness, and a chivalrous

demeanor. An old-fashioned lady is typically associated with refined manners, modesty, and grace.

2. What are the differences in meaning among the italicized words?

a. an odd fancy, an odd number, an odd dress, odds and ends

b. duties to discharge, discharge an employee, the wound has some discharge, discharge the gun

c. ill-contrived helmet, ill-contrived plan, ill-contrived statement, ill- contrived marriage

a. “An odd fancy” refers to a peculiar or unusual imagination, “an odd number” is a number
not divisible by 2, “an odd dress” indicates a peculiar or unconventional attire, and “odds
and ends” are miscellaneous items.
 b. “Duties to discharge” involves responsibilities to fulfill, “discharge an employee” means to
terminate their employment, “the wound has some discharge” refers to a release of fluids
from a wound, and “discharge the gun” implies firing the gun.

c. “Ill-contrived helmet” suggests a poorly designed helmet, “ill-contrived plan” refers to a

poorly conceived strategy, “ill-contrived statement” indicates a poorly formulated
expression, and “ill-contrived marriage” suggests a poorly matched or unsuccessful union.

WRITING ACTIVITY

Don Quixote Book 1 Summary

In Don Quixote, an elderly man named Alonso Quixana loses his sanity after reading too many
chivalric books. He becomes Don Quixote, a delusional knight-errant, and sets out on misguided
adventures with his squire, Sancho Panza. Quixote mistakes common things for fantastical foes, like
attacking windmills he believes to be giants.

Amidst humorous and chaotic encounters, Quixote befriends the Ragged Knight Cardenio, who is
mad with grief over his lost love, Lucinda. The plot thickens when the priest and barber, along with a
deceived woman named Dorotea, devise a plan to trick Quixote into returning home.

The story unfolds in a blend of romance, mistaken identities, and comedic situations. Quixote’s
encounters include freeing galley-slaves who repay him with bruises and mistaking an inn for an
enchanted castle. The Holy Brotherhood attempts to arrest Quixote, but the priest pleads for mercy,
citing Quixote’s insanity.

Book I concludes with Quixote being locked in a cage and taken home, believing it to be an
enchantment. However, the unresolved narrative promises more adventures in Book II.