Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the reply Don Quixote gave his censurer, with other incidents, grave and droll explained
At the duke and duchess's table, an ecclesiastic rebukes Don Quixote for being a fool and a madman.
What happens
At the duke and duchess's table, an ecclesiastic rebukes Don Quixote for being a fool and a madman. Don Quixote defends himself eloquently, arguing that knights-errant follow a noble path of redressing wrongs and pursuing virtue. The duke and duchess laugh at the ecclesiastic's anger, and the duke promises Sancho Panza the governorship of an island. Don Quixote also discusses the nature of Dulcinea, defending her reality and virtue against the duchess's doubts.
Themes in this chapter
Reality vs. Illusion
The duchess questions whether Dulcinea is real or imaginary; Don Quixote insists on her ideal existence.
Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote passionately defends the life of a knight-errant as a noble calling.
Social Class and Identity
The ecclesiastic's disdain for Don Quixote's lowly origins contrasts with the duke's favor.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Defends chivalry and Dulcinea's reality; rebukes the ecclesiastic's insults.
- Sancho Panza
Supports Don Quixote and is promised an island governorship by the duke.
- The Duke
Hosts the dinner, laughs at the ecclesiastic, and grants Sancho a governorship.
- The Duchess
Questions Dulcinea's reality and lineage; engages in banter with Don Quixote.
- Dulcinea del Toboso
Discussed as an imaginary or real lady; Don Quixote defends her virtue and lineage.
Key passages
“For to deprive a knight-errant of his lady is to deprive him of the eyes he sees with, of the sun that gives him light, of the food whereby he lives.”
Taking away a knight's lady is like taking away his sight, his light, and his sustenance.
Don Quixote explains the essential role of a lady in a knight's life.
“Dulcinea is the daughter of her own works, and that virtues rectify blood, and that lowly virtue is more to be regarded and esteemed than exalted vice.”
Dulcinea's worth comes from her own deeds, and virtue matters more than noble birth.
Don Quixote defends Dulcinea's honor despite her humble origins.
“Knight I am, and knight I will die, if such be the pleasure of the Most High.”
I am a knight and will remain one until death, if God wills it.
Don Quixote declares his unwavering commitment to knighthood.