Don Quixote · Chapter
Chapter XXVIII explained
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza argue about Sancho's wages and the promised island, with Sancho exaggerating the time since the promise.
What happens
Don Quixote and Sancho Panza argue about Sancho's wages and the promised island, with Sancho exaggerating the time since the promise. Don Quixote scolds him but eventually forgives him. They then seek shelter in a grove near the Ebro river.
Themes in this chapter
Friendship and Loyalty
The chapter explores the strained yet enduring bond between Don Quixote and Sancho, as they argue over wages and promises but ultimately reconcile.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote defends his retreat as prudent valor, citing knightly examples, while Sancho contrasts the harsh reality of squire life with idealistic promises.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Angrily confronts Sancho about his demand for wages and the island promise, then forgives him after Sancho's remorseful plea.
- Sancho Panza
Complains about his soreness from being beaten, argues about wages and the island, and tearfully repents, vowing to serve faithfully.
- Samson Carrasco
Mentioned by Sancho as the son of Tom Carrasco, for whom Sancho previously worked.
- Dapple
Sancho's donkey, which he rides and from which he dismounts after being beaten.
- Rocinante
Don Quixote's horse, which he rides and at whose feet Sancho drops after joining him.
Key passages
“Plunge, scoundrel, rogue, monster—for such I take thee to be—plunge, I say, into the mare magnum of their histories; and if thou shalt find that any squire ever said or thought what thou hast said now, I will let thee nail it on my forehead, and give me, over and above, four sound slaps in the face.”
Don Quixote angrily tells Sancho to search all the histories of knight-errantry for any squire who made such demands, promising to accept punishment if found.
Don Quixote's outrage at Sancho's mercenary attitude, defending the idealized code of chivalry.
“He does not fly who retires; for I would have thee know, Sancho, that the valour which is not based upon a foundation of prudence is called rashness, and the exploits of the rash man are to be attributed rather to good fortune than to courage.”
Don Quixote explains that retreating is not cowardice but prudence, distinguishing between rashness and true courage.
Don Quixote justifies his flight from the angry townsfolk as a wise tactical decision.