Don Quixote

Fiction | Novel | Adult | Published in 1605

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Study Guide

Before You Read

Super Short Summary

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes chronicles the adventures of Alonso Quixano, a middle-aged Spanish nobleman who, inspired by tales of chivalry, rebrands himself as Don Quixote, a knight errant, and sets off to revive knighthood. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, Don Quixote embarks on a series of misguided but noble quests, battling windmills he mistakes for giants and interpreting everyday events as grand adventures, all while grappling with delusions and the harsh realities of the world.

Reviews & Readership

Review Roundup

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is widely praised for its pioneering role in modern novels, rich character development, and satirical humor. Some readers find its length and 17th-century context challenging, but many appreciate its timeless exploration of illusion versus reality and its profound influence on literature. Complex yet enduringly relevant.

Who Should Read Don Quixote?

Readers who appreciate Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes often enjoy complex, satirical narratives and classic, timeless humor. Fans of Gulliver’s Travels and The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn will find Cervantes' exploration of chivalry and idealism engaging, especially if they admire intricate character development and social critique.

RecommendedReading Age

18+years

Lexile Level

1410L

Book Details

Genre

Classic Fiction

Satire

Topics

Mental Illness

Class

Philosophy

Themes

Life/Time: Aging

Relationships: Friendship

Period

Renaissance

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