The Female Quixote, or, The Adventures of Arabella

Synopsis

The Female Quixote (1752), a vivacious and ironical novel parodying the style of Cervantes, portrays the beautiful and aristocratic Arabella, whose passion for reading romances leads her into all manner of misunderstandings. Praised by Fielding, Richardson and Samuel Johnson, the book quickly established Charlotte Lennox as a foremost writer of the Novel of Sentiment. With an excellent introduction and full explanatory notes, this edition will be of particular interest to students of women's literature, and of the eighteenth-century novel. 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: The Incomparable Arabella

Arabella, a young woman of impeccable lineage, lives in the remote countryside with her overprotective father, Sir George. She is an avid reader of chivalric romances, particularly those featuring the legendary knight-errant Don Quixote. Inspired by these tales, Arabella becomes obsessed with becoming a knight-errant herself.

Chapter 2: Adventures Begin

Donning a suit of armor and riding a trusty steed, Arabella sets out on her quest. She encounters her first adventure when she rescues a young squire from a group of ruffians. However, her naivete and excessive reliance on romance novels lead her to misinterpret situations, often resulting in comical encounters.

Chapter 3: The Knight of the Sun

Arabella encounters a young man named Horatio, who believes himself to be a knight known as the Knight of the Sun. They team up and embark on a series of misadventures, including a battle with a windmill that Arabella mistakes for a giant.

Chapter 4: The Beautiful Seraphina

Arabella rescues a young woman named Seraphina from a wicked stepmother. Seraphina falls in love with Horatio, who initially rejects her due to his chivalric vows. However, Arabella persuades him to reconsider, and the two are eventually married.

Chapter 5: The Envious Giant

Arabella's reputation as a knight-errant spreads, and she attracts the attention of a jealous giant named Coridon. He challenges her to a duel, which she accepts despite Horatio's protests. However, the giant retreats after Arabella proves surprisingly skilled in combat.

Chapter 6: The Enchanted Castle

Arabella and Horatio stumble upon an enchanted castle, where they are subjected to various trials. Arabella confronts a fearsome dragon, while Horatio is tested by a beautiful enchantress. Together, they overcome these challenges and break the castle's enchantment.

Chapter 7: The Return

After a series of further adventures, Arabella and Horatio return home to Sir George's castle. Arabella realizes that her obsession with chivalric romances has been a form of escapism from reality. She decides to abandon her knight-errant persona and embrace a more practical life.

Chapter 8: The Wedding

Arabella and Horatio are married in a grand ceremony, attended by all of their friends and family. The novel ends with a message of hope and resilience, as Arabella and Horatio embark on a new chapter in their lives, free from the delusions of romance.