# Chapter LXIX explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

In a grand theatrical spectacle orchestrated by the Duke and Duchess, Altisidora is feigned dead and laid on a catafalque. Sancho is forced to endure smacks, pinches, and pin pricks as part of a mock ritual to revive her, while Don Quixote urges him to bear it for the sake of disenchanting Dulcinea. Altisidora eventually stirs, feigning revival, and thanks Sancho, who is rewarded with a robe and mitre as mementos.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

The entire resurrection of Altisidora is a staged illusion by the Duke and Duchess, blurring the line between performance and reality for Don Quixote and Sancho.

### Chivalry and Idealism

Don Quixote interprets the mock ritual as a genuine chivalric ordeal, urging Sancho to suffer for the noble cause of disenchanting Dulcinea.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Sancho reluctantly endures physical torment at Don Quixote's behest, demonstrating his loyalty despite his protests.

## Character check-ins

### Don Quixote

Urges Sancho to endure the ritual for Dulcinea's disenchantment; observes Altisidora's 'resurrection' with reverence.

### Sancho Panza

Subjected to smacks, pinches, and pin pricks; protests but eventually complies; receives Altisidora's gift of six smocks.

### Altisidora

Feigns death on a catafalque; 'revives' after Sancho's ordeal, then thanks him and bestows gifts.

### The Duke

Orchestrates the elaborate mock resurrection scene alongside the Duchess.

### The Duchess

Participates in the staged spectacle; allows Sancho to keep the robe and mitre as souvenirs.

## Key lines

> Begone, ye ministers of hell; I’m not made of brass not to feel such out-of-the-way tortures.

Get away, you servants of the devil; I'm not made of metal to endure such unusual pain.

_Sancho's outburst against the duennas and tormentors during the ritual._

> Now is the time, son of my bowels, not to call thee my squire, for thee to give thyself some of those lashes thou art bound to lay on for the disenchantment of Dulcinea.

This is the moment, my dear son (and I don't just call you my squire), for you to whip yourself as promised to break Dulcinea's enchantment.

_Don Quixote urges Sancho to use the occasion to fulfill his penance for Dulcinea._

> That's trick upon trick, I think, and not honey upon pancakes; a nice thing it would be for a whipping to come now, on the top of pinches, smacks, and pin-proddings!

This is one trick after another, not a sweet reward; it would be just great to add a whipping on top of all these pinches, slaps, and pricks.

_Sancho's sarcastic refusal to add self-flagellation to his current ordeal._

## Links

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