# Chapter XXV explained — Don Quixote

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

## What happens

Don Quixote and Sancho encounter a man with a divining ape and a puppet show. The man, Master Pedro, claims the ape can divine past and present events, and he reveals that Sancho's wife Teresa is at home hackling flax. Don Quixote suspects Master Pedro has a pact with the devil. The chapter also includes the 'braying adventure' story told by a traveler, about two regidors who try to find a lost ass by braying at each other. Finally, Master Pedro sets up his puppet show for the inn's guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Reality vs. Illusion

The divining ape and puppet show blur the line between genuine magic and trickery, reflecting Don Quixote's own struggle to distinguish reality from fantasy.

### Chivalry and Idealism

Don Quixote's suspicion of the ape's powers and his desire to uphold knightly virtues (doing good to all) highlight his idealistic worldview.

## Character check-ins

### Don Quixote

Suspicious of Master Pedro's divining ape, suspects a pact with the devil; humbly helps the traveler with his beast; eager to see the puppet show.

### Sancho Panza

Inquires about his wife Teresa; told by the ape that she is hackling flax and drinking wine; expresses disbelief about Don Quixote's cave adventures.

### Teresa Panza

Mentioned as being at home hackling flax and drinking wine from a jug with a broken spout.

### The Innkeeper

Delighted to host the puppet show; points out a place for the show to be set up.

### The Priest

Not directly mentioned in excerpts, but the 'cousin' character is present; the priest is not explicitly in this chapter.

## Key lines

> And to pay for being told what I know would be mighty foolish.

It would be foolish to pay for information I already possess.

_Sancho's pragmatic response to Master Pedro's offer of divination._

> These legs do I embrace as I would embrace the two pillars of Hercules, O illustrious reviver of knight-errantry, so long consigned to oblivion!

I embrace your legs as if they were the pillars of Hercules, O famous restorer of knight-errantry, which had been forgotten for so long!

_Master Pedro's hyperbolic praise of Don Quixote after the ape's divination._

> I have been seriously thinking over this ape’s extraordinary gift, and have come to the conclusion that beyond doubt this Master Pedro, his master, has a pact, tacit or express, with the devil.

I have been reflecting on this ape's remarkable ability and have concluded that Master Pedro must have made a secret agreement with the devil.

_Don Quixote's suspicion that the ape's powers are demonic in origin._

## Links

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