# II explained — Don Quixote

> Chapter companion for Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra.

## What happens

Sancho Panza argues with Don Quixote's niece and housekeeper, who blame him for leading the knight astray. Don Quixote calls Sancho inside and asks him to report what the villagers say about him. Sancho reveals that the common people think Don Quixote is mad and Sancho a fool, while hidalgos and caballeros criticize his pretensions. Sancho also mentions that a history of their adventures, written by Cide Hamete Benengeli, has been published, and that the bachelor Samson Carrasco has returned from Salamanca. Don Quixote sends Sancho to fetch the bachelor for more information.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Sancho's report of villagers calling Don Quixote mad contrasts with the knight's self-perception as a valiant hero, highlighting the gap between perception and reality.

### Social Class and Identity

The hidalgos and caballeros criticize Don Quixote for assuming the title 'Don' and acting above his station, underscoring class tensions.

### Literature and Metafiction

The revelation that a book has been written about Don Quixote's adventures introduces self-referential commentary on the nature of storytelling.

## Character check-ins

### Don Quixote

Anxiously questions Sancho about public opinion and learns of the published history of his adventures.

### Sancho Panza

Defends himself against the niece and housekeeper, reports villagers' opinions, and reveals the existence of a book about their adventures.

### The Niece

Scolds Sancho and accuses him of deluding her uncle.

### The Housekeeper

Joins the niece in blocking Sancho and insults him.

### Samson Carrasco

Mentioned as the bachelor who returned from Salamanca and told Sancho about the published history.

### Cide Hamete Benengeli

Identified as the Moorish author of the history of Don Quixote.

## Key lines

> What does the vagabond want in this house? Be off to your own, brother, for it is you, and no one else, that delude my master, and lead him astray, and take him tramping about the country.

The niece and housekeeper accuse Sancho of being the one who deceives and leads Don Quixote astray.

_The women blame Sancho for the knight's madness._

> I promise thee, Sancho, the author of our history will be some sage enchanter; for to such nothing that they choose to write about is hidden.

Don Quixote believes a wise enchanter must have written their history, since such beings know all secrets.

_Don Quixote's fantastical explanation for the book's existence._

> The common people consider your worship a mighty great madman, and me no less a fool.

Sancho reports that ordinary folk think Don Quixote is insane and Sancho is a simpleton.

_Public perception of the pair._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters/part-ii-ii
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters