2. • characterize Miguel de Cervantes
Saavedra;
• identify the elements of the epic
novel, Don Quixote; and
• relate information from the text to
real-life situations.
Learning
Objectives:
3. Miguel de Cervantes
Saavedra
Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra, regarded as the
greatest writer in the Spanish language, lived during
Spain's Golden Age of Culture (16th–17th centuries).
He is best known for his novel Don Quixote,
celebrated as one of the first modern novels and a
pinnacle of world literature. Despite spending much
of his life in poverty and obscurity, his contributions
earned Spanish the nickname "the language of
Cervantes."
In 1569, Cervantes left Spain for Rome, where he
worked for a cardinal. He joined the Spanish Navy in
1570 and was severely wounded at the Battle of
Lepanto in 1571. Later, he was captured by Barbary
pirates and spent five years in captivity before being
After less successful earlier
efforts, Cervantes finally
achieved literary success in
his later years, publishing
the first part of Don
Quixote in 1605. He died in
4. Background of
the Story
• Published: First part in 1605, second part
in 1615
• Genre: Satirical novel, often considered
the first modern European novel
• Significance:
⚬ Explores themes of idealism and
reality
⚬ Critiques the chivalric traditions of the
medieval era
⚬ Widely regarded as one of the
greatest works of fiction
5. • A middle-aged
nobleman who becomes
a self-declared knight-
errant
• Embarks on quests to
revive chivalry and fight
injustice
Characters:
Alonso
Quixano/Quijano Don
Quixote de La Mancha
6. • Don Quixote’s loyal
squire
• A simple, practical
peasant who often
serves as a foil to
Don Quixote’s
idealism
Sancho Panza
7. • A peasant woman
whom Don Quixote
envisions as his lady
love
• Represents the ideal
of beauty and virtue
in his imagination
Dulcinea del Toboso
9. Theme of the
Story
• Idealism vs. Reality: The clash between
Don Quixote’s noble ideals and the harsh
realities of the world
• Madness and Sanity: Explores the fine line
between dreaming big and being out of
touch with reality
• The Nature of Heroism: Redefines heroism
as perseverance and the courage to
pursue one’s beliefs
• Satire of Chivalry: A humorous critique of
outdated chivalric traditions
10. Story’s Conflict
The two major conflicts in Don
Quixote are person vs. self and
person vs. society. This story is
person versus self because Don
Quixote has trapped himself in
his own world.
12. • Alonso Quixano/Quijano,
a gentleman from La
Mancha, becomes Don
Quixote.
• Spends 4 days crafting
his knightly identity.
• Adopts the name 'Don
Quixote de La Mancha'.
The Birth of Don
Quixote
13. • Spent 4 more days
naming his worn-out
horse.
• Name meaning: From
rocín (nag) and -ante
(foremost).
Naming Rocinante
14. • Idealized a peasant girl,
Aldonza Lorenzo.
• Name meaning:
Dulcinea (sweetness) +
"del Toboso" (her
hometown).
Choosing Dulcinea del
Toboso
15. • Purpose: Revive the age of
chivalry.
• Key Adventure: Attacks
merchants for insulting
Dulcinea.
• Outcome: Beaten and left
injured on the roadside. He
was rescued by a neighbor
and brought him home.
Friends burned his books to
cure his madness.
First Expedition (Alone)
16. • Sancho Panza: A farmer
promised governance of
an island.
• Adventures: Windmills as
giants, inn as a castle,
freeing galley slaves, and
more.
Second Expedition (with
Sancho Panza)
17. Duke and Duchess’ Pranks:
• Wealthy nobles mock Don Quixote by orchestrating
false quests and enchantments.
Sancho’s Governorship:
• Sancho briefly governs an “island” but struggles
with its absurdity.
Knights and Challenges:
• Faces imaginary enemies and participates in mock
battles.
Encounter with Society
18. Knight of the White Moon:
• A rival knight (actually a
gentleman) defeats Don
Quixote in a duel.
• Condition: Don Quixote must
return home and abandon
knight-errantry.
Return to La Mancha:
• Health declines; he begins to
see reality clearly.
The Final Quest
19. Final Days:
• Regains his sanity as
Alonso Quixano.
• Renounces chivalry and
dies peacefully.
Legacy:
• A tragic yet noble figure.
• Symbol of idealism and
the power of imagination.
Death of Don Quixote
