# Of the troublous end and termination Sancho Panza's government came to. explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

Sancho Panza, after a week of governing the 'island' of Barataria, is subjected to a cruel practical joke where he is armored with shields and trampled during a mock attack. Disillusioned and battered, he resigns his governorship, declaring his preference for a simple, free life over the burdens of power. He leaves the island as he entered it: naked and without profit, returning to his old life with Dapple.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Identity

Sancho's rejection of the governorship highlights the tension between his peasant identity and the artificial role of a ruler, affirming that true contentment lies in his natural station.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Sancho's tender farewell to Dapple underscores his loyalty to his faithful companion, contrasting with the deceitful courtiers of Barataria.

## Character check-ins

### Sancho Panza

Sancho endures a harrowing mock battle, is trampled and bruised, then renounces his governorship, expressing a deep longing for his former simple life with Dapple.

### Dapple

Sancho's donkey, whom he embraces and kisses farewell, lamenting the loss of their peaceful companionship.

### The Duke

Referenced as the lord to whom Sancho intends to render an account of his government.

## Key lines

> naked I was born, naked I find myself, I neither lose nor gain

I came into the world with nothing, and I leave this government with nothing; I have neither gained nor lost anything.

_Sancho's declaration of his incorruptibility and his return to his original state of poverty._

> I'd rather have my fill of gazpacho than be subject to the misery of a meddling doctor who kills me with hunger

I would rather eat simple peasant soup than suffer under a doctor who starves me.

_Sancho's preference for humble, free living over the oppressive 'care' of the court physician._

## Links

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