Don Quixote Identity

When first reading the twisted fairytale story of Don Quixote, the first reaction is that he was a troubled man with obvious mental issues, but when reading for the sole purpose of deep reading there is one outstanding reason for his actions which is so blatantly shown that readers look right past it. Don Quixote was really just a regular middle aged man going through a mid-life crisis while trying to form a new identity for himself. The definition of a mid-life crisis is a transition of identity and self-confidence that can occur in early middle aged individuals. Men at Don Quixote’s age have to deal with the same sort of identity crisis within themselves. Having to realize that their youth is behind them and to have to continue on with life, Don Quixote isn’t the only story that displays men going through a mid-life crisis either.

The Movie “The Incredibles” is about the life after being a superhero, conforming from living in the limelight to being a regular civilian and having to hide their true identity.

The main character of the storyline was Mr. Incredible, the equivalent to Superman in his town. He and his wife, who was also a super hero, were forced to conform to living a regular suburban life due to after all super-powered activities have been banned by the government. While trying to conform to his new life many years go by, once he realizes that his prime pasts is when he begins his mid-crisis.

Don Quixote is first introduced as a poor middle aged man, with nothing to look forward in his life. He can barely feed and clothe himself, he turns to reading to relieve the stress of his life. The reading wasn’t what drove him insane, it was his thought of not becoming what he wanted to be and what the mid-point of his life. Quixote then became what he was attracted to what he loved to read when his mind was in a vulnerable state. He formed a new persona, by becoming Don Quixote of La Mancha the fearless

knight.
Mr. Incredible, had the same dilemma but his wasn’t a fantasy, he was approached with the opportunity to become a hero again and he jumped at the chance, reliving his and reminiscing on his past which started to ruin his relationship with his family. He became so wrapped up in his past that he starting go also go insane, the power that he once had started to take over him which almost led him to his demise. Don Quixote had the same type of actions, he became so wrapped up in his fantasy that when he was injured he continued his act as a knight although he was hurt badly.
Don Quixote and Mr. Incredible, although written in two different for two different generations, display the same character traits; men going through id life crisis