Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is widely praised for its pioneering role in modern novels, rich character development, and satirical humor. Some readers find its length and 17th-century context challenging, but many appreciate its timeless exploration of illusion versus reality and its profound influence on literature. Complex yet enduringly relevant.

Readers who appreciate Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes often enjoy complex, satirical narratives and classic, timeless humor. Fans of Gulliver’s Travels and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will find Cervantes' exploration of chivalry and idealism engaging, especially if they admire intricate character development and social critique.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes chronicles the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged Spanish nobleman who, inspired by tales of chivalry, rebrands himself as Don Quixote, a knight errant, and sets off to revive knighthood. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote embarks on a series of misguided but noble quests, battling windmills he mistakes for giants and interpreting everyday events as grand adventures, all while grappling with delusions and the harsh realities of the world.

Humorous / Adventurous / Fantastical / Bittersweet / Contemplative

- Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is often considered the first modern novel, published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, making it over 400 years old.
- The character Don Quixote is so influential that the term "quixotic" has been derived from his name, describing someone who is exceedingly idealistic or impractically optimistic.
- Miguel de Cervantes and William Shakespeare, two of literature's greatest figures, are often said to have died on the same date: April 23, 1616, though due to calendar differences, they did not actually die on the same day.

**Alonso Quixano / Don Quixote de la Mancha**  
A middle-aged nobleman who, inspired by chivalric books, adopts the persona of a knight and embarks on adventurous quests. He is characterized by his firm belief in a romanticized version of knighthood.

**Sancho Panza**  
A practical and earthy peasant who becomes Don Quixote's loyal squire, often providing comic relief. His relationship with Don Quixote evolves from that of skepticism to deep friendship.

**Dulcinea del Toboso**  
A local peasant woman whom Don Quixote imagines as a beautiful noble lady, serving as the idealized figure for his chivalric pursuits. She never physically appears in the novel.

**Sanson Carrasco**  
A young scholar who becomes a significant adversary to Don Quixote, first trying to bring him home and later challenging him directly. His actions are driven by a mix of intellectual rivalry and personal pride.

**Miguel de Cervantes / The Narrator**  
The author and narrator of the novel, occasionally reflecting on the nature of storytelling and truth. His narrative style plays with the boundaries between fiction and reality.

Miguel de Cervantes

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Before You Read

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Before You Read Don Quixote | SuperSummary

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Overview

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Don Quixote Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 9

Don Quixote Part 1, Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 10-19

Don Quixote Part 1, Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 20-29

Don Quixote Part 1, Chapters 20-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 30-39

Don Quixote Part 1, Chapters 30-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 40-49

Don Quixote Part 1, Chapters 40-49 Summary & Analysis

Part 1, Chapters 50-52

Don Quixote Part 1, Chapters 50-52 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 9

Don Quixote Part 2, Prologue-Chapter 9 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 10-19

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 10-19 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 20-29

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 20-29 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 30-39

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 30-39 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 40-49

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 40-49 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 50-59

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 50-59 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 60-69

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 60-69 Summary & Analysis

Part 2, Chapters 70-74

Don Quixote Part 2, Chapters 70-74 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Don Quixote Character Analysis

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Themes

Don Quixote Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Don Quixote Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Don Quixote Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Don Quixote Essay Topics

Don Quixote

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