Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the mishap that befell Sancho Panza through the visit to the galleys, and the strange adventure of the fair Morisco explained
Don Quixote and Sancho visit the galleys with Don Antonio Moreno.
What happens
Don Quixote and Sancho visit the galleys with Don Antonio Moreno. Sancho is subjected to a rough initiation ritual by the crew, being passed from hand to hand. The galley captures a brigantine, and the young rais reveals herself to be a Christian woman named Ana Félix, daughter of Ricote. She tells her story of being forced into exile and her love for Don Gaspar Gregorio. Ricote, disguised as a pilgrim, recognizes her and they are reunited. The general spares the Turks who killed his soldiers at the viceroy's request.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Identity
Ana Félix's dual identity as a Morisco and a Christian, and her disguise as a male rais, highlight the complexities of social and religious identity in a time of persecution.
Love and Worship
Ana Félix's devotion to Don Gaspar Gregorio and her father Ricote's love for his daughter drive the emotional core of the adventure.
Justice and Morality
The general's initial desire for vengeance is tempered by the viceroy's plea for mercy, questioning the balance between justice and compassion.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Reflects on the enchanted head's promise of Dulcinea's disenchantment; observes the galley rituals with caution and threatens violence if subjected to them.
- Sancho Panza
Endures being tossed along the galley benches, left bruised and breathless; later recognizes Ricote and confirms Ana Félix's identity.
- Ricote
Appears as an elderly pilgrim, reveals himself as Ana Félix's father, returned from Germany to find her and recover buried treasure.
- Ana Félix
Disguised as a young rais, reveals she is a Christian woman and the daughter of Ricote; tells her story of forced exile and love for Don Gaspar Gregorio.
- Don Antonio Moreno
Hosts Don Quixote and Sancho, arranging the visit to the galleys.
- Don Gaspar Gregorio
Mentioned as Ana Félix's beloved, left in danger in Barbary disguised as a woman.
Key passages
“Profound were Don Quixote’s reflections on the reply of the enchanted head, not one of them, however, hitting on the secret of the trick, but all concentrated on the promise, which he regarded as a certainty, of Dulcinea’s disenchantment.”
Don Quixote thought deeply about the enchanted head's answer, but he never guessed it was a trick; instead, he focused on the promise of Dulcinea's disenchantment, which he believed was sure to happen.
Shows Don Quixote's unwavering faith in the chivalric illusion.
“Sancho was seated on the captain’s stage, close to the aftermost rower on the right-hand side. He, previously instructed in what he was to do, laid hold of Sancho, hoisting him up in his arms, and the whole crew, who were standing ready, beginning on the right, proceeded to pass him on, whirling him along from hand to hand and from bench to bench with such rapidity that it took the sight out of poor Sancho’s eyes”
Sancho was placed near the last rower on the right, who, following orders, picked him up and passed him rapidly from one crew member to the next along the benches, leaving Sancho dizzy and terrified.
Describes the rough initiation ritual Sancho endures on the galley.
“I am neither Turk, nor Moor, nor renegade. ... A Christian woman.”
The young rais declares that she is not a Turk, Moor, or renegade, but a Christian woman.
The dramatic revelation of Ana Félix's true identity.
