Of Don Quixote’s adventure with a fair huntress explained

What happens

Themes in this chapter

• Social Class and Identity

  The encounter with the aristocratic hunting party highlights the contrast between Don Quixote's chivalric self-image and the social realities of the nobility.

• Chivalry and Idealism

  Don Quixote insists on formal knightly greetings and service, while the duke and duchess play along with his chivalric fantasies.

• Friendship and Loyalty

  Sancho's loyalty is tested as he contemplates leaving his master, yet he continues to serve and deliver messages faithfully.

Characters to notice

• Don Quixote

  Absorbed in thoughts of his love; sends Sancho to deliver a message to the huntress; dismounts awkwardly and is welcomed by the duke and duchess.

• Sancho Panza

  Dejected about his advancement; delivers the message to the duchess; gets his foot caught in the packsaddle and falls; praised by the duchess for his drollery.

• The Duke

  Husband of the duchess; welcomes Don Quixote and Sancho to his castle; familiar with the first part of Don Quixote's history.

• The Duchess

  Fair huntress on a white palfrey with a hawk; recognizes Don Quixote from the printed history; invites the pair to her estate.

• Dulcinea del Toboso

  Mentioned as the lady of Don Quixote's heart; the duke insists she should not be overshadowed by other beauties.

• Rocinante

  Don Quixote's horse; its saddle comes loose during the dismounting mishap.

• Dapple

  Sancho's donkey; Sancho's foot gets caught in the packsaddle ropes while dismounting.

Key passages

• “They reached their beasts in low spirits and bad humour enough, knight and squire, Sancho particularly, for with him what touched the stock of money touched his heart, and when any was taken from him he felt as if he was robbed of the apples of his eyes.”

  Both Don Quixote and Sancho were in a foul mood, especially Sancho, who felt the loss of money as keenly as if he had been robbed of his most precious possession.

  Sancho's materialistic concerns contrast with Don Quixote's idealistic preoccupations.

• “I, the Knight of the Lions, kiss the hands of her exalted beauty, and if her excellence will grant me leave I will go and kiss them in person and place myself at her service for aught that may be in my power and her highness may command”

  Don Quixote instructs Sancho to tell the lady that he wishes to pay his respects and offer his services.

  Don Quixote adopts his new title 'Knight of the Lions' and adheres to chivalric protocol.

• “I am rejoiced at all this; go, brother Panza, and tell your master that he is welcome to my estate, and that nothing could happen me that could give me greater pleasure.”

  The duchess expresses delight at meeting Don Quixote and invites him to her home.

  The duchess's warm welcome is part of her plan to humor Don Quixote's delusions.