Unmasking The Satire: What Makes Don Quixote Truly Comedic

Don Quixote is a work of satire due to the deliberate departure from the conventional portrayal of a valiant and fearless knight. The author of this renowned literary masterpiece, Miguel de Cervantes, crafted a character who starkly contrasts with the typical image of a chivalrous hero. Don Quixote’s eccentric behavior, fueled by his obsession with medieval romances, is the key element that transforms this novel into a parody. By depicting a protagonist who tilts at windmills, mistaking them for giants, and choosing an old, frail horse as his steed, Cervantes satirizes the romantic idealism and delusions prevalent in his society. This clever satire offers a humorous and critical commentary on the cultural and societal norms of the time, making Don Quixote a timeless masterpiece of literature that continues to captivate readers today. [Published on August 27, 2023]

In Part II of Don Quixote, certain individuals who were not fans of chivalric tales couldn’t prevent these legends from spreading widely among the general public. However, they were able to persuade wealthier nobles who were reading Don Quixote to view it as a narrative showcasing the hypocritical nature of the knight-errant tradition. This form of satire, known as chivalric satire, cleverly critiques the ideals and actions associated with knights and their adventures, shedding light on the contradictions and absurdities within this genre of literature.