XLIX explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Reality vs. Illusion

  Don Quixote insists on the literal truth of chivalric romances, while the canon and Sancho challenge his perception of reality.

• Madness and Sanity

  The canon and Sancho question Don Quixote's sanity, but he turns the accusation back on them, claiming they are the ones enchanted.

• Chivalry and Idealism

  Don Quixote passionately defends the ideals and historical existence of knights-errant, citing specific figures and deeds.

• Literature and Metafiction

  The chapter debates the truthfulness and value of chivalric books, with Don Quixote treating them as historical records.

Characters to notice

• Don Quixote

  Defends the truth of chivalric romances and insists he is enchanted despite Sancho's arguments.

• Sancho Panza

  Argues that Don Quixote cannot be enchanted because he eats and drinks, and proposes a plan to free him from the cage.

• The Priest

  Present during the conversation; agrees to release Don Quixote from the cage on his word.

• Master Nicholas

  Present with the party; helps unyoke the oxen and waits for Don Quixote's release.

• Rocinante

  Described by Sancho as melancholy and dejected, seemingly enchanted like his master.

Key passages

• “It appears to me, gentle sir, that your worship's discourse is intended to persuade me that there never were any knights-errant in the world, and that all the books of chivalry are false, lying, mischievous and useless to the State, and that I have done wrong in reading them, and worse in believing them, and still worse in imitating them, when I undertook to follow the arduous calling of knight-errantry which they set forth; for you deny that there ever were Amadíses of Gaul or of Greece, or any other of the knights of whom the books are full.”

  Don Quixote accuses the canon of trying to convince him that knights-errant never existed and that chivalric books are harmful lies.

  Don Quixote directly challenges the canon's skepticism about the reality of chivalric figures.

• “What thou sayest is true, Sancho; but I have already told thee there are many sorts of enchantments, and it may be that in the course of time they have been changed one for another, and that now it may be the way with enchanted people to do all that I do, though they did not do so before; so it is vain to argue or draw inferences against the usage of the time.”

  Don Quixote acknowledges Sancho's point but argues that enchantments have changed over time, so his behavior does not disprove his enchantment.

  Don Quixote rationalizes his condition to maintain his belief in being enchanted.

• “I give it;—moreover one who is enchanted as I am cannot do as he likes with himself; for he who had enchanted him could prevent his moving from one place for three ages, and if he attempted to escape would bring him back flying.”

  Don Quixote gives his word as a knight not to flee, adding that his enchantment would prevent any escape anyway.

  Don Quixote agrees to be released on parole, citing his enchanted state as a further guarantee.