Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the unexampled and unheard-of adventure which was achieved by the valiant Don Quixote of La Mancha with less peril than any ever achieved by any famous knight in the world explained
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, seeking water at night, are terrified by a loud noise of water and rhythmic hammering.
What happens
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, seeking water at night, are terrified by a loud noise of water and rhythmic hammering. Don Quixote, believing it a great adventure, prepares to face it alone, ordering Sancho to wait three days. Sancho weeps and begs him not to go. They discover the noise comes from six fulling hammers, not giants. Mortified, Don Quixote strikes Sancho for mocking him, then lectures him on the proper respect a squire owes his knight.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
Don Quixote's perception of fulling hammers as a great adventure contrasts sharply with the mundane reality, highlighting his delusion.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's speech about reviving the golden age and his readiness to face danger exemplify his chivalric idealism.
Friendship and Loyalty
Sancho's tears and decision to stay with his master despite fear demonstrate his loyalty.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Mistakes fulling hammers for a perilous adventure, strikes Sancho for mocking him, and lectures on knight-squire decorum.
- Sancho Panza
Terrified by the noise, weeps at his master's resolve, laughs at the discovery of the hammers, and is beaten for his mockery.
- Rocinante
Takes fright at the noise of water and blows, but is calmed by Don Quixote.
- Dapple
Led by Sancho, carrying the remains of supper.
- Dulcinea del Toboso
Invoked by Don Quixote as his lady, to whom Sancho is to deliver a message if he dies.
Key passages
“Friend Sancho, know that I by Heaven's will have been born in this our iron age to revive in it the age of gold, or the golden as it is called; I am he for whom perils, mighty achievements, and valiant deeds are reserved”
Don Quixote declares he is destined to restore the golden age of chivalry in this iron age, and that great adventures await him.
Don Quixote's grand self-conception as a reviver of chivalry.
“Calm yourself, sir, for by God I am only joking.”
Sancho pleads with Don Quixote to stop beating him, insisting he was only joking.
Sancho's attempt to defuse his master's anger after mocking him.
“Thou must know, friend Sancho, that of Heaven's will I was born in this our iron age to revive in it the golden or age of gold”
Sancho mockingly repeats Don Quixote's earlier speech about reviving the golden age.
Sancho's parody of his master's chivalric rhetoric.