# Dedication explained — Don Quixote

> Chapter companion for Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

## What happens

Cervantes dedicates his work to the Duke of Béjar, praising his patronage of the arts and seeking his protection for the book.

## Themes in this chapter

### Literature and Metafiction

The dedication itself is a metafictional element, acknowledging the book's creation and its intended audience.

## Character check-ins

### Miguel de Cervantes

Author of the work, humbly dedicating it to the Duke of Béjar.

## Key lines

> In belief of the good reception and honours that Your Excellency bestows on all sort of books, as prince so inclined to favor good arts, chiefly those who by their nobleness do not submit to the service and bribery of the vulgar, I have determined bringing to light The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha , in shelter of Your Excellency’s glamorous name

Trusting in your Excellency's generous welcome of all books, as a prince who supports the noble arts that resist popular corruption, I have decided to publish Don Quixote under your illustrious name.

_Cervantes appeals to the Duke's reputation as a patron of worthy literature._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters/part-i-dedication
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters