# Of the strange adventure which the valiant Don Quixote had with the car or cart of the Cortes of Death explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

Don Quixote, dejected over Dulcinea's enchantment, is consoled by Sancho. They encounter a cart full of actors representing Death, an Emperor, an Angel, and a Devil. Don Quixote initially prepares to attack them for mistreating Dapple, but Sancho persuades him that they are not knights-errant, so Don Quixote refrains. The adventure ends peacefully, and they move on.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Don Quixote sees the actors as real figures of Death and Emperors, while Sancho recognizes them as mere performers.

### Madness and Sanity

Don Quixote's obsession with Dulcinea's enchantment and his readiness to attack the cart highlight his delusions.

### Chivalry and Idealism

Don Quixote's code prevents him from fighting non-knights, showing his adherence to chivalric ideals.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Sancho's loyalty to Don Quixote is evident as he prioritizes his master's safety over his own loss.

## Character check-ins

### Don Quixote

Dejected over Dulcinea's enchantment, he is persuaded by Sancho not to attack the actors.

### Sancho Panza

Consoles Don Quixote, advises against attacking the cart, and shows concern for his ass Dapple.

### Dulcinea del Toboso

Mentioned as enchanted into a village lass; Don Quixote obsesses over her transformation.

### Dapple

Sancho's ass, frightened by the devil with bladders, runs off but returns.

### Rocinante

Don Quixote's horse, which he lets wander while lost in thought.

## Key lines

> Melancholy, señor, was made, not for beasts, but for men; but if men give way to it overmuch they turn to beasts; control yourself, your worship; be yourself again; gather up Rocinante's reins; cheer up, rouse yourself and show that gallant spirit that knights-errant ought to have.

Sancho tells Don Quixote that sadness is for humans, not animals, and warns that too much grief can make a person beastly, urging him to pull himself together and act like a knight.

_Sancho's practical wisdom contrasts with Don Quixote's melancholy._

> It would be the height of madness to attempt such an enterprise; remember, señor, that against sops from the brook, and plenty of them, there is no defensive armour in the world, except to stow oneself away under a brass bell; and besides, one should remember that it is rashness, and not valour, for a single man to attack an army that has Death in it, and where emperors fight in person, with angels, good and bad, to help them; and if this reflection will not make you keep quiet, perhaps it will to know for certain that among all these, though they look like kings, princes, and emperors, there is not a single knight-errant.

Sancho argues that attacking the cart would be foolish, as stones are unstoppable, and reminds Don Quixote that the figures are not real knights, so fighting them would be rash, not brave.

_Sancho uses logic and Don Quixote's own chivalric code to dissuade him._

## Links

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