# XXII Wherin is related the grand adventure of the Cave of Montesinos in the heart of La Mancha, which the valiant Don Quixote brought to a happy termination. explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

Don Quixote, after attending the wedding of Basilio and Quiteria, offers extensive advice on marriage and honor. He then undertakes the adventure of descending into the Cave of Montesinos, where he claims to have witnessed wondrous sights and spoken with legendary figures. Upon being pulled up, he laments being torn from the delightful vision, and proceeds to recount his experience to Sancho and the cousin.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

Don Quixote's vivid account of the cave's wonders blurs the line between dream and reality, as he insists on the truth of his enchanted vision.

### Chivalry and Idealism

Don Quixote's descent into the cave is framed as a chivalric adventure, and his advice on marriage reflects idealistic notions of honor and love.

### Love and Worship

Don Quixote's prayer to Dulcinea before the descent and his discourse on the virtues of a good wife highlight the theme of idealized love.

## Character check-ins

### Don Quixote

Descends into the Cave of Montesinos and claims to have seen Montesinos, Durandarte, Belerma, and other enchanted figures.

### Sancho Panza

Assists in lowering and raising Don Quixote from the cave, weeping and praying for his master's safe return.

### Basilio

Newly married to Quiteria; his sham wound is revealed as a device to secure the marriage.

### Quiteria

Newly married to Basilio; the couple is grateful to Don Quixote for his support.

### Dulcinea del Toboso

Invoked by Don Quixote in prayer before descending into the cave.

## Key lines

> That is not and ought not to be called deception which aims at virtuous ends

Deception is justified if it serves a virtuous purpose.

_Don Quixote defends Basilio's trick to marry Quiteria as morally acceptable._

> all the pleasures of this life pass away like a shadow and a dream, or fade like the flower of the field

All earthly joys are fleeting and insubstantial.

_Don Quixote laments being pulled from the cave, contrasting its wonders with the transience of life._

## Links

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