Don Quixote · Chapter
XXIV explained
Don Quixote listens to the story of Cardenio, the ragged knight of the Sierra Morena, who begins to recount his tragic love for Luscinda and the events that led to his madness.
What happens
Don Quixote listens to the story of Cardenio, the ragged knight of the Sierra Morena, who begins to recount his tragic love for Luscinda and the events that led to his madness. During the telling, Cardenio's mad fit erupts when Don Quixote defends Queen Madasima, leading to a physical altercation. Sancho Panza fights the goatherd, and Don Quixote pacifies them, then inquires about finding Cardenio again.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Sanity
Cardenio's mad fit interrupts his story, and Don Quixote's own madness is evident in his fervent defense of Queen Madasima.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's promise to serve Cardenio and his defense of a queen's honor exemplify his chivalric ideals.
Love and Worship
Cardenio's passionate love for Luscinda and his devotion to her are central to his story.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Listens intently to Cardenio's story, defends Queen Madasima's honor, and is struck by Cardenio during his mad fit.
- Sancho Panza
Attacks Cardenio after his master is struck, then fights the goatherd over blame for not warning about Cardenio's madness.
- Cardenio
The ragged knight of the Sierra, begins his tragic tale of love for Luscinda, but falls into a mad fit when Queen Madasima is mentioned.
- The Goat Herd
Provides food for Cardenio and is involved in the altercation with Sancho Panza.
- Luscinda
Mentioned as Cardenio's beloved, a noble and rich damsel whom he loved from childhood.
Key passages
“for when I hear chivalry or knights-errant mentioned, I can no more help talking about them than the rays of the sun can help giving heat, or those of the moon moisture”
Don Quixote cannot resist discussing chivalry and knights-errant whenever they are mentioned.
Shows Don Quixote's obsession with chivalric tales.
“I cannot get rid of the idea, nor will anyone in the world remove it, or make me think otherwise—and he would be a blockhead who would hold or believe anything else than that that arrant knave Master Elisabad made free with Queen Madasima.”
Cardenio insists that Master Elisabad had an improper relationship with Queen Madasima.
Cardenio's delusion triggers Don Quixote's anger.
“If your misfortune should prove to be one of those that refuse admission to any sort of consolation, it was my purpose to join you in lamenting and mourning over it, so far as I could; for it is still some comfort in misfortune to find one who can feel for it.”
Don Quixote offers to share Cardenio's sorrow if his misfortune cannot be relieved.
Demonstrates Don Quixote's compassionate chivalric nature.