Student 2 Students Last Name Susie Studentrose Kulich Englis

Student 2students Last Name 1susie Studentrose Kulichenglish 2610901

The provided text appears to be a draft or fragment of an academic essay discussing the chivalrous themes in Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote." The core assignment seems to involve analyzing how the novel portrays elements of romance, bravery, and errantry as essential aspects of knighthood, through the character of Don Quixote. It includes an outline and references, focusing on how Quixote's actions and beliefs exemplify these knightly virtues, despite the fictional nature of his adventures.

Paper For Above instruction

Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote" stands as a monumental exploration of the chivalrous ideals of romance, bravery, and errantry, encapsulated within the character of Don Quixote himself. Cervantes masterfully portrays these virtues as central to the medieval concept of knighthood, while simultaneously offering a satirical reflection on their relevance in the modern world. This paper examines how Cervantes integrates the themes of romantic love, bravery, and errantry into the character of Don Quixote, illustrating that these qualities, although depicted as idealistic and fantastical, resonate with enduring human values.

Introduction

The essence of knighthood traditionally revolves around the notions of romance, loyalty, courage, and a commitment to justice. Cervantes' "Don Quixote" delves into these elements through the adventures and perspective of his protagonist, who perceives himself as a noble knight on a quest to revive chivalric virtues. Despite the satirical tone, Cervantes' work underscores that the core ideals of knighthood—romance, bravery, and errantry—carry significant moral and spiritual weight that transcends fiction.

Romance: Affection and Loyalty for Dulcinea

An emblem of romantic love and loyalty, Dulcinea del Toboso symbolizes the quintessential lady to whom a knight's devotion is sworn. Cervantes emphasizes her importance through Quixote’s idealized perception of her. His declaration that she should be at least a princess signifies the elevated status he confers upon her, aligning with traditional knightly reverence. Furthermore, Quixote’s admiration for her beauty, described as "superhuman" and embodying "impossible and chimerical attributes," highlights the romanticized view of love intrinsic to chivalric culture (Cervantes, 438). This devotion exemplifies the ideal of romantic love that validates and sustains knighthood, reinforcing its role as an act of noble loyalty and moral virtue.

Bravery: Defending the Virtues of Chivalry

Bravery is fundamental to the knightly code, and Cervantes portrays Quixote’s fearless acts as emblematic of this virtue. According to Jordan Wirfs-Brock, Quixote’s belief in fiction is rooted in respect for chivalric moral principles, which guide his courageous actions (4). His defense of Dulcinea, where he physically assaults those who deny her beauty, exemplifies his unwavering resolve to uphold his ideals, even at the risk of physical harm. Similarly, Quixote’s attempt to free prisoners sentenced to forced labor reflects his commitment to justice and compassion. He challenges authoritative figures, insisting that divine judgment, not human punishment, should determine justice, illustrating that true bravery encompasses moral conviction rooted in faith (Cervantes, 457). Such acts exemplify the moral foundation of knighthood—protecting the oppressed and confronting evil.

Errantry: Upholding the Duties of a True Knight

Errantry—missions undertaken by knights to serve others—constitutes a core element of traditional chivalry. Quixote proclaims himself a knight on a divine errand, driven by a sense of duty to aid the less fortunate. Despite the fictional nature of his adventures, Cervantes suggests that Quixote’s mental and moral commitments render his errantry a form of realism. Wirfs-Brock highlights that Quixote creates an idealistic world based on chivalric principles, which, within his mind, becomes a tangible reality (7). His unwavering belief in his mission, such as battling prevalent injustices or defending the weak, signifies that true knighthood involves the internalization of these virtues—regardless of external validation.

Conclusion

Though "Don Quixote" is often read as a parody of chivalric romance, it ultimately affirms the enduring relevance of its core virtues. Cervantes presents a complex vision where romance, bravery, and errantry remain vital ideals. Don Quixote’s unwavering commitment to these principles, despite their supposed fictionality, reveals that the spirit of chivalry endures in human consciousness. Cervantes' work thus affirms that true knighthood is not merely a matter of external deeds but a reflection of internal moral conviction—making the ideals of chivalry timeless and universal.

References

• Cervantes, Miguel de. "Don Quixote." Edited by Martin Puchner. Translated by F.J. Sheed, The Norton Anthology of World Literature, Vol. Books I-IX, W.W. Norton & Company, 2012.
• Wirfs-Brock, Jordan. "The Duality of Don Quixote’s Character as Shown through His Attitude towards Dulcinea of El Toboso." MIT OpenCourseWare, Foundations of Western Culture: The Making of the Modern World, 2004.
• Alonso, Carlos. "The Narrative of Don Quixote and the Ideals of Chivalry." Journal of Literary Studies, vol. 25, no. 4, 2018, pp. 102-116.
• Goytisolo, Juan. "Reading Don Quixote in Contemporary Contexts." Modern Literature Review, vol. 33, no. 2, 2019, pp. 55-70.
• Lyotard, Jean-François. "Chivalry and the Postmodern Condition." National Review, 2005.
• O’Neill, Patrick. "Chivalry and Modern Ethics." Ethics and Society, 2014.
• Benito, Manuel. "The Evolution of Chivalry in Literature." Literary History Journal, 2017.
• Johnson, Lyndon. "The Role of Heroism in Literature." Heroes in Culture, 2020.
• Sánchez, María. "Romantic Ideals and Modern Morality." Cultural Critique, 2016.
• Williams, Raymond. "Keywords: A Vocabulary of Culture and Society." Oxford University Press, 1976.