Character Analysis Of Don Quixote

Reading comes alive as the reader falls into the author’s voice and connects to the protagonist. When individuals read they involuntarily relate themselves to the protagonist. Therefore, a slightly different meanings of the story is created based on the individual’s personal experiences and beliefs. For instance, a novel could be considered a humorous parody of chivalric romance, but another individual could view the work as containing a serious philosophical message. This is a common scenario for Miguel de Cervantes’ Don Quixote in which individuals can conclude many different meaning, and character analysis. Miguel de Cervantes constructed a complex character, who over time has been regarded as a madman, dreamer, or a man in the midst of

B. Johnson). Evidence from his dull lifestyle at the beginning of the story to his misguided quest my lead the audience perceive Don Quixote as an unstable figure. For instance, Don Quixote is of average status, owns only two suits of clothes, maintains a strict schedule, and has read the same chivalrous books for the past fifty-two years. His static lifestyle credits to the reason why many suppose that Don Quixote has lost his mind (C. B. Johnson, "People, Real and Fictional" ). Although, how come Don Quixote does not just stay within his house reading his books:

Obviously, something or somebody at home has brought massive intolerable pressure to bear on Don Quixote, to the point where losing himself in his reading is no longer enough, and he has to get out of there physically. (C. B. Johnson, "People, Real and Fictional"

Don Quixote “is about fifty years of age, a hidalgo of very modest means slowly being squeezed into poverty by inflation” (C. B. Johnson, "People, Real and Fictional" ). A midlife crisis would not be unlikely for any man facing increased financial pressure in combination with old age. Before Don Quixote’s escapade, his readings helped him live out an imaginary life full of adventure and desire. However, Don Quixote was jealous of the characters in his books. He wanted the fame, glory, and money that came with being a medieval knight. Also, Don Quixote is a lonely bachelor, perhaps he wanted to be in love and be loved again. In Carrol B. Johnson’s literary criticism she describes Don Quixote as “a sexual being, whose identity, whose story, and whose interest for me as a reader ultimately depend on his sexuality” (C. B. Johnson, "People, Real and Fictional" ). This one interpretation of Don Quixote’s romantic life does illuminate the importance of his romantic relationships within the novel. During his adventures, Don Quixote shares his feelings for many women such as the Duchess, Dulcinea, Dona Rodriguez, and Altisidora. At first Don Quixote professes his love of a farm girl named Aldonza that he has never seen. Throughout his adventures he declares to everyone that Aldonza is really Dulcinea del Toboso, and expresses that she is his motivation for fulfilling his knightly duties.