Don Quixote · Chapter
Chapter XLIII explained
Don Quixote, standing guard outside the inn, is tricked by Maritornes and the innkeeper's daughter, who tie his hand to a bolt through a hole in the wall, leaving him helpless.
What happens
Don Quixote, standing guard outside the inn, is tricked by Maritornes and the innkeeper's daughter, who tie his hand to a bolt through a hole in the wall, leaving him helpless. Meanwhile, Doña Clara confides in Dorothea about her love for a young man, and the chapter ends with Don Quixote's romantic lamentations to Dulcinea.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
Don Quixote mistakes the inn for a castle and the hole for a window with a gilt grating, illustrating his delusional perception of reality.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's elaborate speech to Dulcinea and his refusal to betray his idealized love reflect his commitment to chivalric ideals.
Love and Worship
Doña Clara's youthful confession of love and Don Quixote's devotional address to Dulcinea highlight the theme of idealized love.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Stands guard outside the inn, delivers a passionate speech to Dulcinea, and is tricked by Maritornes into being tied by the wrist.
- Maritornes
Plays a trick on Don Quixote by tying his hand to a bolt, laughing with the innkeeper's daughter.
- The Innkeeper's Daughter
Signals to Don Quixote from the hole in the wall, participating in the trick.
- Dorothea
Listens to Doña Clara's confession of love and comforts her before they sleep.
- Dulcinea del Toboso
Invoked by Don Quixote in his romantic soliloquy as the object of his devotion.
- Rocinante
Stands motionless under Don Quixote, supporting him during the trick.
Key passages
“I pity you, beauteous lady, that you should have directed your thoughts of love to a quarter from whence it is impossible that such a return can be made to you as is due to your great merit and gentle birth”
Don Quixote tells the woman he believes is a noble lady that he cannot return her love because he is devoted to Dulcinea.
Demonstrates Don Quixote's chivalric refusal of romantic advances and his unwavering loyalty to Dulcinea.
“Finding himself fast, then, and that the ladies had retired, he began to fancy that all this was done by enchantment”
After being tied up, Don Quixote assumes he is under a magical spell, as in his previous adventure.
Highlights Don Quixote's tendency to interpret mundane events as enchanted occurrences.