Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the strange manner in which Don Quixote of La Mancha was carried away enchanted, together with other remarkable incidents explained
Don Quixote is caged and transported on an oxcart, reflecting on the novelty of his enchantment.
What happens
Don Quixote is caged and transported on an oxcart, reflecting on the novelty of his enchantment. Sancho Panza doubts the devilish nature of their companions, noting one smells of amber. The curate and barber, masked, accompany the cart along with officers. Don Fernando and Cardenio hasten their departure. The landlady, her daughter, and Maritornes bid farewell, and Don Quixote consoles them, asserting that such misfortunes befall famous knights. The curate and canon discuss the merits and faults of chivalric books, with the canon praising their potential for displaying a gifted intellect.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
Don Quixote perceives his caging as an enchantment by malevolent magicians, while Sancho and others see it as a mundane transport; the line between reality and fantasy is blurred.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's speech about the lot of famous knights and his unwavering commitment to his ideal, even in captivity, highlights the theme of chivalric idealism.
Literature and Metafiction
The curate and canon debate the merits of chivalric books, and the discovery of the manuscript 'Rinconete and Cortadillo' underscores the self-referential nature of the narrative.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Caged and transported on an oxcart, he philosophizes about the nature of enchantment and consoles the weeping women.
- Sancho Panza
Accompanies the cart on his ass, leading Rocinante, and questions whether the apparitions are Catholic, noting one smells of amber.
- The Priest
Arranges with the officers to accompany the cart and engages in a discussion with the canon about chivalric books.
- Master Nicholas
Rides masked alongside the curate, advising on the route for resting the oxen.
- Don Fernando
Perfumed and mistaken for a devil by Sancho, he helps hasten the departure and bids farewell to the curate.
- Cardenio
Hangs the buckler and basin on Rocinante's saddle and participates in the farewells.
- Maritornes
Bids farewell to Don Quixote, pretending to weep.
- The Innkeeper
Hands the curate some papers discovered in the valise, including the novel 'Rinconete and Cortadillo'.
Key passages
“Virtue is of herself so mighty, that, in spite of all the magic that Zoroaster its first inventor knew, she will come victorious out of every trial, and shed her light upon the earth as the sun does upon the heavens.”
Virtue is so powerful that it overcomes any magic, even that of Zoroaster, and shines like the sun.
Don Quixote comforts the weeping women, asserting the triumph of virtue over enchantment.
“I don't know what to think, not being as well read as your worship in errant writings; but for all that I venture to say and swear that these apparitions that are about us are not quite Catholic.”
Sancho admits his ignorance of chivalric tales but insists the figures around them seem un-Christian.
Sancho expresses doubt about the nature of their companions, contrasting with Don Quixote's enchanted worldview.
“The author may show himself to be an astronomer, or a skilled cosmographer, or musician, or one versed in affairs of state, and sometimes he will have a chance of coming forward as a magician if he likes.”
A writer of chivalric tales can display knowledge in many fields, including astronomy, music, and even magic.
The canon praises the versatility that chivalric romances offer to a gifted author.
