Introduction

■ Don Quixote of La Mancha is a literary masterpiece

published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615 by Miguel de
Cervantes

■ It is considered as the most representative text of

Spanish literature, as well as the first novel of Western
literature

■ The protagonist of the work is Don Quixote, a country

gentleman belonging to the lower nobility and resident in
the poor region of La Mancha

“He was so addicted to reading books on

chivalry, that he forgot everything else,
and totally neglected the management of
his estate”.

■ He thus decides, inspired by those adventures, to

become a knight and leave in search of adventures
The Dream
■ Don Quixote is a great dreamer, whose scope in life
is to live according to his individual purpose and
excitement

■ He seeks his path and defines his own values,

despite the opposition of his family and community

■ He shows great perseverance and commitment in

following his dreams

From the theme of the dream to a reflection over the

power of imagination and the tricks of the mind:

■ Don Quixote is characterized by a sorrowful

imagination, being able to look beyond what reality
imposes

■ He lives in a state of alienation; when Don Quixote

conceives a dream, he sees things invisible to others Picasso – Don Quixote (1955)
 What defines normality?
■ It is difficult to define what is normal and what
is pathological, strange or bizarre

■ When we consider a person or a behavior

“abnormal”, we usually have a negative
conception of the term. This may be due to an
erroneous conception of normality

■ The perception of normality is linked to one's

own personal life project. Indeed, there
should be a common sense in recognizing that
we are all different, we all have characteristics
that qualify us and distinguish us from the
socially established standard

■ We are not interesting in defining Don Quixote

a mad man; what is relevant is not his inability
to distinguish windmills from giants, but his will
to fight against them
What is the purpose of life?
Don Quixote’s vision
 What is Sancho’s role in the story?
■ The character of Sancho Panza acts as a
counterpoint of pragmatism against Don
Quixote’s idealism.

■ In Don Quixote’s vision, Sancho (despite his sanity

and materialism) finds an escape from the
mundanity of his life and sees the possibility of
overcoming his reality and attaining riches and
power that would be otherwise impossible for a
man of his social stature.

■ His master’s unwavering motivation and

passion even in the face of much stronger
enemies, reinforces Sancho’s belief in the rewards
promised to him.

■ After Sancho achieves his dream and becomes

Governor, he realises that being a leader is not his
calling and returns to his master after merely a
week, choosing to once again accompany him on
adventures; as he begins to crave the fulfilment of
owning a sense of purpose.
 Conclusion
■ Don Quixote has shown the courage to
break away from the ordinary, find his
life’s purpose and remain faithful to his
dreams

■ He teaches us passion and

enthusiasm, the ability to assert his
convictions firmly, without resorting to
arrogance and prevarication

■ He also demonstrates determination,

perseverance and seriousness in the
pursuit of his project of being an errant
knight

What we have learned from Don Quixote is to stay faithful to our dreams for as
long as we can, bravely, with one foot on the ground and one in the clouds;
especially, when our dream might seem ridiculous or fantastic to others.