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46 pages 1 hour read

Man of La Mancha

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1965

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Book Brief

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Dale Wasserman

Man of La Mancha

Fiction | Play | Adult | Published in 1965
Book Details
Pages

82

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Spain • 16th century

Publication Year

1965

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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Super Short Summary

Man of La Mancha follows Cervantes in a 16th-century Spanish prison, where he defends his manuscript by enacting the story of Don Quixote. Don Quixote, imagining himself a knight, seeks chivalrous adventures with his companion Sancho. He mistakes an inn for a castle and a barmaid, Aldonza, for a noblewoman named Dulcinea. Despite his delusions, Don Quixote's ideals inspire others even as he faces harsh realities.

Inspirational

Fantastical

Adventurous

Bittersweet

Humorous

Reviews & Readership

4.5

3,217 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Roundup icon

Review Roundup

Man of La Mancha by Dale Wasserman receives applause for its compelling adaptation of Cervantes' classic, replete with memorable music and poignant themes. Critics commend its passionate performances and imaginative staging. Some find the narrative pacing uneven, but most agree it captures the spirit of quixotic pursuit. Overall, it’s a celebrated theatrical gem.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Man of La Mancha?

Readers who relish inspirational tales of idealism and chivalry, akin to Miguel de Cervantes' Don Quixote, will enjoy Dale Wasserman's Man of La Mancha. This audience appreciates profound themes layered with whimsical adventure, much like those found in Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist.

4.5

3,217 ratings

78%

Loved it

17%

Mixed feelings

5%

Not a fan

Character List

Cervantes/Don Quixote

Cervantes is a struggling poet and playwright who, while in prison, defends his manuscript by playing out the story of Don Quixote with fellow prisoners. Don Quixote, his alter ego, is a country squire who believes himself to be a knight-errant, driven by his ideals.

Aldonza is a strong-willed serving woman who initially views herself cynically, but is transformed through Don Quixote's vision of her as Dulcinea, a noble lady. Her journey with Don Quixote leads her to embrace his ideals and take up his mission.

The Manservant assists Cervantes in orchestrating the play within the prison, echoing Sancho's supportive role to Don Quixote as a loyal yet simple companion. Sancho adds humor and reality to Quixote's adventures, often finding himself charmed by the knight's quests.

The Duke, a skeptical prisoner, plays the role of Dr. Carrasco, a practical, science-minded antagonist who seeks to cure Don Quixote of his delusions. He embodies a critical realist viewpoint, resistant to idealism.

The Governor is a prisoner with authority who fairly considers Cervantes's defense; he plays the Innkeeper in the inner play. As the Innkeeper, he humorously indulges Don Quixote’s whims while maintaining a genial control over his establishment.

The Padre is a priest caught between admiration and pity for Don Quixote, seeking a balance between idealism and realism. He contributes a nuanced perspective on dreams and reality, reflecting conflicts within the household of Don Quixote.

Pedro leads a group of muleteers who provide the ensemble of rough men occupying the inn, focused largely on base desires. They contrast Don Quixote's idealism with their crude demeanor and actions.

Book Details
Pages

82

Format

Play • Fiction

Setting

Spain • 16th century

Publication Year

1965

Audience

Adult

Recommended Reading Age

14+ years

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