XLVIII explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Literature and Metafiction

  The canon and curate debate the merits of chivalric books and plays, critiquing their adherence to artistic rules and truth to life.

• Reality vs. Illusion

  Don Quixote insists on the reality of his enchantment, while Sancho argues it is a trick, highlighting the blurred line between perception and truth.

Characters to notice

• Don Quixote

  Insists he is enchanted despite Sancho's arguments that the curate and barber are behind his imprisonment.

• Sancho Panza

  Attempts to persuade Don Quixote that his enchantment is a hoax, pointing out the disguised curate and barber.

• The Priest

  Participates in the discussion about plays and chivalric books, agreeing with the canon's criticisms.

• The Innkeeper

  Mentioned as the keeper of the inn where the party plans to rest.

Key passages

• “I myself, at any rate, was once tempted to write a book of chivalry in which all the points I have mentioned were to be observed; and if I must own the truth I have more than a hundred sheets written; and to try if it came up to my own opinion of it, I showed them to persons who were fond of this kind of reading, to learned and intelligent men as well as to ignorant people who cared for nothing but the pleasure of listening to nonsense, and from all I obtained flattering approval; nevertheless I proceeded no farther with it, as well because it seemed to me an occupation inconsistent with my profession, as because I perceived that the fools are more numerous than the wise.”

  The canon admits he once started writing a chivalric book following proper rules, received praise from both learned and ignorant readers, but abandoned it because it conflicted with his profession and because fools outnumber the wise.

  The canon explains his decision not to finish his chivalric book, citing professional conflict and the preference of the majority for nonsense.

• “Señor, to ease my conscience I want to tell you the state of the case as to your enchantment, and that is that these two here, with their faces covered, are the curate of our village and the barber; and I suspect they have hit upon this plan of carrying you off in this fashion, out of pure envy because your worship surpasses them in doing famous deeds; and if this be the truth it follows that you are not enchanted, but hoodwinked and made a fool of.”

  Sancho tells Don Quixote that the disguised men are actually the curate and barber, who imprisoned him out of envy, proving he is not enchanted but tricked.

  Sancho tries to convince Don Quixote that his enchantment is a deception by the curate and barber.