Don Quijote

"Don Quijote" by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra is a novel written during the early 17th century. The book explores the adventures of an aging hidalgo named Don Quijote, who becomes so enamored with tales of chivalry that he decides to become a knight-errant himself. Accompanied by his loyal squire, Sancho Panza, he embarks on a journey to revive chivalry and fight injustice, leading to a series of humorous and poignant misadventures. The opening of "Don Quijote" introduces the main character, an unnamed hidalgo whose obsession with chivalric novels leads him to lose his sanity. He resolves to become a knight-errant and adopts the name "Don Quijote de la Mancha." Cervantes presents his elaborate preparations, including the repair of old armor and choosing a steed, which he names Rocinante. As he sets off on his quest, he envisions himself as a noble knight destined for greatness, which sets the stage for the series of comical encounters and misinterpretations that define his character throughout the novel. This blend of realism and fantasy is a hallmark of Cervantes' work, making the opening rich with the themes of illusion versus reality and the pursuit of idealism. (This is an automatically generated summary.)