Don Quixote Flashcards

Don Quixote - Key Concepts and Characters

• Don Quixote names his horse Rocinante, symbolizing his idealism and transformation.
• When naming his horse, Don Quixote considers both previous and present status, and aims for a name that is high sounding to reflect nobility.
• A simple change in name can drastically alter Don Quixote's identity, suggesting that identity is tied to self-perception.
• Aldonza Loreno is a farm girl who serves as Don Quixote's romantic interest; she represents his earthly desires amidst his lofty ideals.
• The overarching theme of fantasy in Don Quixote emphasizes the importance of pursuing one's dreams and aspirations.
• Don Quixote’s actions are driven by an overactive imagination, influenced by the chivalric tales he reads, leading to a distorted perception of reality.
• To persuade Sancho Panza to become his squire, Don Quixote promises him an island, a promise he cannot fulfill due to lack of resources and realistic means as a knight.
• Don Quixote sees fighting windmills as a duty, driven by his delusions of chivalry against perceived foes.
• The windmills are deemed worthy foes by Don Quixote because they possess arms that swing, which he misinterprets as danger.
• Sancho Panza serves as a supportive and sensible squire, providing balance to Don Quixote's idealism with grounded perspective.
• Sancho remains loyal to Don Quixote primarily to prevent him from being alone and suffering, exhibiting friendship and compassion.
• A frame story is characterized by enclosing multiple narratives within it, connecting various stories through a larger overarching plot.