# XL explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

The chapter details the preparations for the adventure of the Distressed Duenna, including the description of the magical horse Clavileño and the debate over Sancho's participation.

## Themes in this chapter

### Chivalry and Idealism

Don Quixote's promise to undertake the adventure reflects his chivalric ideals.

### Literature and Metafiction

The narrator praises Cide Hamete and comments on the telling of the history.

### Friendship and Loyalty

Sancho's eventual decision to accompany his master despite his reluctance.

## Character check-ins

### Cide Hamete Benengeli

Praised as the original author for his scrupulous detail.

### Don Quixote

Promises to shave the beards of the duennas and confront Malambruno.

### Sancho Panza

Reluctant to join the adventure, but eventually resolves to accompany his master.

### The Countess Trifaldi

The Distressed One who pleads for Don Quixote's help and describes Clavileño.

### The Duchess

Encourages Sancho to participate in the adventure.

### Malambruno

The enchanter and giant who stole Clavileño and placed beards on the duennas.

### Merlin

Mentioned as the maker of the wooden horse Clavileño.

### Clavileño

The magical wooden horse that will be used for the journey.

## Key lines

> Verily and truly all those who find pleasure in histories like this ought show their gratitude to Cide Hamete, its original author, for the scrupulous care he has taken to set before us all its minute particulars...

The narrator praises Cide Hamete for his thorough and detailed storytelling.

_Metafictional commentary on the author's diligence._

> I swear by the faith of an honest man and the shades of all my ancestors the Panzas, that never I did see or hear of, nor has my master related or conceived in his mind, such an adventure as this.

Sancho expresses astonishment at the bizarre adventure of the bearded duennas.

_Sancho's humorous reaction to the situation._

> The chink of that promise, valiant knight, reached my ears in the midst of my swoon, and has been the means of reviving me and bringing back my senses...

The Countess Trifaldi revives upon hearing Don Quixote's promise to help.

_Dramatic revival motivated by hope._

> I will pluck out my own in the land of the Moors, if I don't cure yours.

Don Quixote vows to remove the beards or suffer the same fate himself.

_Don Quixote's hyperbolic commitment to the adventure._

> For going smoothly and easily, give me my Dapple, though he can't go through the air; but on the ground I'll back him against all the amblers in the world.

Sancho prefers his donkey Dapple for smooth riding on the ground.

_Sancho's earthy pragmatism contrasts with the magical horse._

## Links

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