Don Quixote · Chapter
Chapter XXIX explained
Dorothea, disguised as the Princess Micomicona, approaches Don Quixote and begs a boon: that he accompany her to avenge the usurpation of her kingdom by a giant.
What happens
Dorothea, disguised as the Princess Micomicona, approaches Don Quixote and begs a boon: that he accompany her to avenge the usurpation of her kingdom by a giant. Don Quixote grants the request, and preparations are made for their departure. The curate and barber, who are part of the ruse, explain to Sancho that the princess has come seeking his master's aid. Sancho is delighted, hoping Don Quixote will marry the princess and become an emperor. The curate and Cardenio follow at a distance, while Dorothea and the barber lead Don Quixote away.
Themes in this chapter
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's immediate acceptance of the princess's quest demonstrates his unwavering commitment to chivalric ideals, even when the situation is a fabrication.
Reality vs. Illusion
The elaborate ruse involving Dorothea's disguise as Princess Micomicona highlights the blurring of reality and fantasy, as Don Quixote fully embraces the illusion.
Social Class and Identity
Sancho's hopes for his master to become an emperor and his own rise in status reflect the theme of social mobility and identity transformation.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Grants the boon to the disguised Dorothea, agreeing to help the Princess Micomicona avenge her kingdom.
- Dorothea
Disguised as the Princess Micomicona, she kneels before Don Quixote and requests his aid against a giant usurper.
- Sancho Panza
Encourages Don Quixote to grant the boon and hopes his master will marry the princess, leading to Sancho's own fortune.
- The Priest
Instructs Dorothea on how to act and explains the ruse to Sancho, while also criticizing the freeing of the galley slaves.
- Master Nicholas
Disguised with a false beard, he acts as the squire of the Princess Micomicona.
- Cardenio
Follows at a distance with the curate, avoiding direct contact with Don Quixote due to their earlier quarrel.
Key passages
“From this spot I will not rise, valiant and doughty knight, until your goodness and courtesy grant me a boon, which will redound to the honour and renown of your person and render a service to the most disconsolate and afflicted damsel the sun has seen;”
Dorothea, as the Princess Micomicona, refuses to stand until Don Quixote promises to grant her request, which she claims will bring him honor and help a deeply distressed lady.
This speech mimics the formal language of chivalric romances to manipulate Don Quixote.
“I grant and accord it,” said Don Quixote, “provided without detriment or prejudice to my king, my country, or her who holds the key of my heart and freedom, it may be complied with.””
Don Quixote agrees to the boon, but only if it does not harm his king, his country, or Dulcinea, whom he considers the keeper of his heart.
Don Quixote's conditional acceptance shows his adherence to chivalric codes of loyalty.
“He has defrauded justice, and opposed his king and lawful master, for he opposed his just commands; he has, I say, robbed the galleys of their feet, stirred up the Holy Brotherhood which for many years past has been quiet, and, lastly, has done a deed by which his soul may be lost without any gain to his body.”
The curate criticizes the person who freed the galley slaves, claiming it was an act against justice, the king, and public order, and that it will bring no benefit to the liberator.
This indirect rebuke is aimed at Don Quixote, who freed the slaves earlier, and highlights the conflict between his ideals and societal norms.
