Don Quixote, Miguel de Cervantes

Historical and Cultural Context

During the Spanish Golden Age, Spain was a powerful empire with a rich cultural and religious heritage. It was a time of great social and political change, marked by the growth of the middle class and the decline of feudalism. The rise of new technologies, such as the printing press, also helped spread knowledge and ideas across the country.

Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes during this time, reflects the social and political climate of Spain. The novel is a critique of feudal society and the rigid social hierarchy that existed at the time. Don Quixote's quest to become a knight and right wrongs represents a desire for social mobility and the ability to challenge the status quo. The novel also comments on the use of technology, such as guns and the printing press, in warfare and the spread of information.

In addition, Don Quixote reflects the religious tensions of the time. Spain was predominantly Catholic, and the novel critiques the use of religion as a means of control and the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious while acting immorally.

Overall, the social and political climate of Spain during the Golden Age had a significant influence on Don Quixote, which reflects the desire for social change and the critique of the traditional power structures of Spanish society.

Questions

1. What was the social and political climate of Spain during the Golden Age?

A. A time of war and turmoil

B. A time of great social and political change

C. A time of strict censorship and repression

D. A time of economic stagnation

2. How did the growth of the middle class influence Spanish society during the Golden Age?

A. It led to increased feudalism and aristocratic power

B. It sparked a revolution and overthrow of the monarchy

C. It led to a decline in social hierarchy and increased social mobility

D. It had no significant impact on Spanish society

3. What social issue does Don Quixote critique in the novel?

A. The decline of feudalism

B. The use of technology in warfare

C. The rigid social hierarchy of Spanish society

D. The political corruption of the monarchy

4. How does Don Quixote address the issue of religion in Spanish society?

A. It promotes the idea of religious tolerance and diversity

B. It critiques the hypocrisy of those who claim to be religious while acting immorally

C. It celebrates the power and influence of the Catholic Church

D. It has no significant commentary on religion.

Discussion

 Is Don Quixote a hero or a fool? 

Further reading

1. Cervantes, M. (1605/1615). "Don Quixote" (original Spanish title: "El ingenioso hidalgo Don Quijote de la Mancha"). This classic two-part novel is the most important starting point for understanding the story and its themes. Translations are available in many languages.

2. Canavaggio, J. (1997). "Cervantes: A Biography". This comprehensive biography of Miguel de Cervantes, the author of "Don Quixote," offers valuable insights into the life and times of the author, and the context in which he wrote the novel.

3. Bloom, H. (Ed.). (2001). "Cervantes's Don Quixote: Modern Critical Interpretations". This collection of essays, edited by the renowned literary critic Harold Bloom, offers a range of perspectives on the novel, its characters, and its themes, making it an excellent resource for students looking to deepen their understanding.

4. Rutherford, J. (2006). "The Cambridge Companion to Don Quixote". This volume, part of the well-respected "Cambridge Companions to Literature" series, provides a series of essays on various aspects of "Don Quixote," including its history, themes, and critical reception.

5. Echevarría, R. G. (2015). "Cervantes and the Modern Novel". This book explores the influence of "Don Quixote" on the development of the modern novel, connecting it with the works of authors such as Flaubert, Kafka, Joyce, and García Márquez. This resource will help students understand the novel's lasting impact on world literature.