Don Quixote De La Mancha

Synopsis

'he thought it expedient and necessary that he should commence knight-errant, and wander through the world, with his horse and arms, in quest of adventures' Don Quixote, first published in two parts in 1605 and 1615, is one of the world's greatest comic novels. Inspired by tales of chivalry, Don Quixote of La Mancha embarks on a series of adventures with his faithful servant Sancho Panza by his side. The novel has acquired mythic status and its influence on modern fiction is profound. ABOUT THE SERIES: For over 100 years Oxford World's Classics has made available the widest range of literature from around the globe. Each affordable volume reflects Oxford's commitment to scholarship, providing the most accurate text plus a wealth of other valuable features, including expert introductions by leading authorities, helpful notes to clarify the text, up-to-date bibliographies for further study, and much more.

Summary

Chapter 1:

* Summary: Alonso Quijano, a retired country gentleman, becomes obsessed with chivalric romances and decides to become a knight-errant. He renames himself Don Quixote de la Mancha and sets out on his adventures, accompanied by his faithful squire, Sancho Panza.
* Real Example: A middle-aged man named John Smith, influenced by his avid reading of superhero comics, decides to don a costume and fight crime as "Captain Justice."

Chapter 2:

* Summary: Don Quixote encounters a group of armed merchants and mistakes them for fierce knights. He challenges them to a duel, which they decline. Undeterred, Don Quixote proceeds to attack them, much to their amusement.
* Real Example: A history buff, armed with a replica sword, attempts to engage in a duel with a group of tourists at a medieval fair.

Chapter 3:

* Summary: Don Quixote frees a young boy from what he believes is a cruel master. However, the boy was actually his own master's son, and his "rescue" causes much commotion.
* Real Example: A passerby, witnessing a child being disciplined by their parent, mistakenly intervenes and accuses the parent of child abuse.

Chapter 4:

* Summary: Don Quixote and Sancho Panza encounter a shepherdess who tells them the tragic story of her unrequited love. Don Quixote vows to avenge her honor and decides to confront the shepherd who spurned her.
* Real Example: A woman, heartbroken over a failed relationship, seeks the support of a friend who promises to confront her former partner on her behalf.

Chapter 5:

* Summary: Don Quixote charges into a flock of sheep, believing they are an army of giants. He wreaks havoc until he is knocked unconscious and taken back home by Sancho Panza.
* Real Example: A politician, blinded by ideological fervor, launches a misguided attack on a perceived enemy, only to suffer humiliating consequences.

Chapter 6:

* Summary: As Don Quixote sleeps, his niece and housekeeper burn his chivalric romances. Sancho Panza, fearing his master's wrath, conspires to trick him into believing the books were taken by a wizard.
* Real Example: A parent, fearing the negative influence of a video game on their child, secretly confiscates the game console and replaces it with an educational alternative.