Don Quixote · Chapter
Of how the curate and the barber proceeded with their scheme; together with other matters worthy of record in this great history. explained
The curate and the barber devise a plan to rescue Don Quixote from the Sierra Morena by disguising themselves as a damsel in distress and her squire.
What happens
The curate and the barber devise a plan to rescue Don Quixote from the Sierra Morena by disguising themselves as a damsel in distress and her squire. They borrow a petticoat and hood from the innkeeper's wife, and the barber makes a beard from an oxtail. After some debate, the curate decides it is more fitting for the barber to play the damsel, and they proceed under Sancho's guidance. Meanwhile, Cardenio continues his tragic story, recounting how Don Fernando betrayed him by wooing and marrying Luscinda, leading Cardenio to madness and despair.
Themes in this chapter
Madness and Sanity
Cardenio's detailed recounting of his betrayal shows his lucid moments amidst his madness, while the curate and barber's scheme highlights the fine line between sanity and folly.
Friendship and Loyalty
The curate and barber's efforts to rescue Don Quixote demonstrate loyalty, while Don Fernando's betrayal of Cardenio underscores the theme's darker side.
Justice and Morality
Cardenio's desire for vengeance against Don Fernando and Luscinda raises questions about moral justice and the consequences of betrayal.
Characters to notice
- The Priest
Devises the scheme to rescue Don Quixote, initially dresses as a damsel but later swaps roles with the barber to preserve his dignity.
- Master Nicholas
The barber who assists the curate, making a beard from an oxtail and eventually playing the distressed damsel.
- Sancho Panza
Guides the curate and barber to Don Quixote's location, withholding details about the valise he found.
- Cardenio
Tells the full story of his betrayal by Don Fernando and Luscinda's marriage, which drives him to madness.
- Luscinda
Cardenio's beloved, who is forced into marriage with Don Fernando and faints during the ceremony.
- Don Fernando
The treacherous nobleman who betrays Cardenio by marrying Luscinda.
Key passages
“The curate's plan did not seem a bad one to the barber, but on the contrary so good that they immediately set about putting it in execution.”
The barber agreed with the curate's idea and they started carrying it out right away.
Introduces the rescue scheme.
“I heard her say in a faint and feeble voice, 'I will': Don Fernando said the same, and giving her the ring they stood linked by a knot that could never be loosed.”
Luscinda weakly agreed to marry Don Fernando, and they exchanged rings, sealing a bond that could not be broken.
Cardenio's account of the wedding.
“I resolved to take it upon myself, and on myself to inflict the pain they deserved, perhaps with even greater severity than I should have dealt out to them had I then slain them; for sudden pain is soon over, but that which is protracted by tortures is ever slaying without ending life.”
He decided to punish himself more harshly than he would have punished his enemies, because slow suffering is worse than a quick death.
Cardenio explains his self-imposed penance.