# Of the wonderful things the incomparable Don Quixote said he saw in the profound Cave of Montesinos, the impossibility and magnitude of which cause this adventure to be deemed apocryphal explained — Don Quixote > Chapter companion for Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra. ## What happens Don Quixote recounts his descent into the Cave of Montesinos, where he claims to have fallen asleep and awakened in a beautiful meadow. There he meets the enchanted Montesinos, who shows him a crystal castle and tells him about the heart of Durandarte. Don Quixote also describes seeing three country girls who he believes are Dulcinea and her companions, and he gives four reals to a damsel who begs on Dulcinea's behalf. Sancho and the cousin express skepticism, but Don Quixote insists on the truth of his vision. ## Themes in this chapter ### Reality vs. Illusion Don Quixote's vivid account of the cave blurs the line between dream and reality, with Sancho and the cousin questioning its truth, highlighting the central conflict of perception. ### Chivalry and Idealism Don Quixote's vow to roam the earth to disenchant Dulcinea exemplifies his unwavering chivalric ideals, even in the face of skepticism. ### Literature and Metafiction The chapter is framed as an apocryphal adventure, with characters debating the veracity of the story, self-consciously referencing the act of storytelling. ## Character check-ins ### Don Quixote Narrates his adventure in the Cave of Montesinos, describing encounters with enchanted figures and his unwavering belief in the reality of his visions. ### Sancho Panza Expresses doubt about Don Quixote's account, suggesting enchantment has clouded his master's senses, but remains loyal and engaged in the conversation. ### Montesinos Appears as an enchanted old man in the cave, welcoming Don Quixote and showing him the marvels of the crystal castle, confirming the story of Durandarte's heart. ### Dulcinea del Toboso Referenced as the lady who sends a request for six reals through a damsel, prompting Don Quixote's distress and vow to disenchant her. ### The Cousin A listener to Don Quixote's tale, questioning the plausibility of seeing so many things in a short time, but showing curiosity. ## Key lines > I opened my eyes, I rubbed them, and found I was not asleep but thoroughly awake. Nevertheless, I felt my head and breast to satisfy myself whether it was I myself who was there or some empty delusive phantom; but touch, feeling, the collected thoughts that passed through my mind, all convinced me that I was the same then and there that I am this moment. Don Quixote insists that his experience in the cave was real, not a dream, as he physically verified his own identity and surroundings. _Emphasizes the theme of reality vs. illusion, as Don Quixote's certainty contrasts with the skepticism of his listeners._ > I don't believe my master lies,” said Sancho. “If not, what dost thou believe?” asked Don Quixote. “I believe,” replied Sancho, “that this Merlin, or those enchanters who enchanted the whole crew your worship says you saw and discoursed with down there, stuffed your imagination or your mind with all this rigmarole you have been treating us to, and all that is still to come.” Sancho suggests that enchanters have filled Don Quixote's mind with false tales, rather than accusing him of deliberate lying. _Highlights Sancho's loyalty and his attempt to reconcile his master's stories with reality._ ## Links - HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters/part-ii-xxiii - Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se - All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/don_quixote_se/chapters