Don Quixote

Quixote sets out on an adventure and at first everyone believes he is living out a delusion. Throughout the novel, Quixote fights in favor of his version of reality. He believes in a world in which he is a chivalrous knight on an important adventure while other characters see him as a “mad” middle-aged man in a cardboard helmet, riding a tired, worn-down horse. To this end, Quixote’s sense of reality is never quite settled. To many characters, he appears to be in a complete break from reality, while the narrator and the story eventually conclude he was sincere and validated in his beliefs. They may claim Quixote’s belief he is a knight is a delusion, though the narrative establishes that Quixote is a knight famous throughout Spain, who is known for his remarkable deeds and dedication to the code of chivalry. As such, the question of Quixote’s cognizance changes. He reshapes reality to suit his delusions; by traveling so far and speaking to so many people, he becomes the knight he always wanted to be. His reputation becomes his reality, and his legend precedes him wherever he goes. By the end of the novel, Quixote may or may not be in touch with reality, but there is no doubt he is a famous knight.