De Cervantes (1547 – 1616) Essay, Research Paper
It is surprising that Don Quixote should
have come to be regarded as one of the greatest novels of all time, since
Cervantes originally intended it to be little more than a hasty parody
of the sort of popular romantic book of chivalry of his time – and a quick
money-maker. The book did make money, too: it became a best-seller throughout
Europe.
Over the years, the general interpretation
of the novel has almost reversed. It is now regarded, not as crude, slapstick
humor, but rather, as a warm, human tale, depicting the conflict between
noble idealism and brute, unfeeling practicality. The foolish knight, once
seen as the butt of all the other characters’ jokes, is now perceived as
a symbol of noble though impractical idealism, and has given the adjective
“quixotic” to the English language.
In any case, it is hard not to sympathize
with Don Quixote, despite his misconceptions. His devotion to high ideals
in a world filled with scheming and base men is admirable. In fact, Quixote
sometimes seems to be the only sane man in an insane society. Certainly
lie wins the reader over with his sincerity.
Sancho, too, despite his coarseness, is
endearingly innocent. Bit by bit he becomes more and more like his master,
until, by the end of the novel, he has become almost an heir to Don Quixote’s
purity and idealism.
The book is so full of events, meanderings,
digressions, legends, conversations, and adventures, that a patient reader
will never find his interest exhausted.