An excerpt from the original text.(complete · 800 words)
WHEREIN IS CONTINUED THE NOTABLE ADVENTURE OF THE DISTRESSED DUENNA
The duke and duchess were extremely glad to see how readily Don Quixote
fell in with their scheme; but at this moment Sancho observed, “I hope
this señora duenna won’t be putting any difficulties in the way of the
promise of my government; for I have heard a Toledo apothecary, who
talked like a goldfinch, say that where duennas were mixed up nothing
good could happen. God bless me, how he hated them, that same
apothecary! And so what I’m thinking is, if all duennas, of whatever
sort or condition they may be, are plagues and busybodies, what must
they be that are distressed, like this Countess Three-skirts or
Three-tails!—for in my country skirts or tails, tails or skirts, it’s
all one.”
“Hush, friend Sancho,” said Don Quixote; “since this lady duenna comes
in quest of me from such a distant land she cannot be one of those the
apothecary meant; moreover this is a countess, and when countesses
serve as duennas it is in the service of queens and empresses, for in
their own houses they are mistresses paramount and have other duennas
to wait on them.”
To this Doña Rodriguez, who was present, made answer, “My lady the
duchess has duennas in her service that might be countesses if it was
the will of fortune; ‘but laws go as kings like;’ let nobody speak ill
of duennas, above all of ancient maiden ones; for though I am not one
myself, I know and am aware of the advantage a maiden duenna has over
one that is a widow; but ‘he who clipped us has kept the scissors.’”
“For all that,” said Sancho, “there’s so much to be clipped about
duennas, so my barber said, that ‘it will be better not to stir the
rice even though it sticks.’”
“These squires,” returned Doña Rodriguez, “are always our enemies; and
as they are the haunting spirits of the antechambers and watch us at
every step, whenever they are not saying their prayers (and that’s
often enough) they spend their time in tattling about us, digging up
our bones and burying our good name. But I can tell these walking
blocks that we will live in spite of them, and in great houses too,
though we die of hunger and cover our flesh, be it delicate or not,
with widow’s weeds, as one covers or hides a dunghill on a procession
day. By my faith, if it were permitted me and time allowed, I could
prove, not only to those here present, but to all the world, that there
is no virtue that is not to be found in a duenna.”
“I have no doubt,” said the duchess, “that my good Doña Rodriguez is
right, and very much so; but she had better bide her time for fighting
her own battle and that of the rest of the duennas, so as to crush the
calumny of that vile apothecary, and root out the prejudice in the
great Sancho Panza’s mind.”
To which Sancho replied, “Ever since I have sniffed the governorship I
have got rid of the humours of a squire, and I don’t care a wild fig
for all the duennas in the world.”
They would have carried on this duenna dispute further had they not
heard the notes of the fife and drums once more, from which they
concluded that the Distressed Duenna was making her entrance. The
duchess asked the duke if it would be proper to go out to receive her,
as she was a countess and a person of rank.
“In respect of her being a countess,” said Sancho, before the duke
could reply, “I am for your highnesses going out to receive her; but in
respect of her being a duenna, it is my opinion you should not stir a
step.”
“Who bade thee meddle in this, Sancho?” said Don Quixote.
“Who, señor?” said Sancho; “I meddle for I have a right to meddle, as a
squire who has learned the rules of courtesy in the school of your
worship, the most courteous and best-bred knight in the whole world of
courtliness; and in these things, as I have heard your worship say, as
much is lost by a card too many as by a card too few, and to one who
has his ears open, few words.”
“Sancho is right,” said the duke; “we’ll see what the countess is like,
and by that measure the courtesy that is due to her.”
And now the drums and fife made their entrance as before; and here the
author brought this short chapter to an end and began the next,
following up the same adventure, which is one of the most notable in
the history.
p37e.jpg (21K)
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Let's Analyse the Pattern
The Hierarchy Trap - When Status Wars Blind Us to Worth
When people fight over social ranking, they lose sight of individual merit and reduce complex humans to their status categories.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how to identify when people use professional stereotypes to mask their own status insecurity.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when workplace conflicts are really about hierarchy rather than actual job performance—then address the real issue underneath.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I hope this señora duenna won't be putting any difficulties in the way of the promise of my government; for I have heard a Toledo apothecary, who talked like a goldfinch, say that where duennas were mixed up nothing good could happen."
Context: Sancho immediately voices his prejudice when hearing about the Distressed Duenna's arrival
This reveals how quickly people repeat harmful stereotypes without evidence, especially when they feel their own interests might be threatened. Sancho's concern about his governorship shows he's already thinking like someone with something to lose.
In Today's Words:
I hope this woman doesn't mess up my promotion - I heard from some guy that women in her position are nothing but trouble.
"My lady the duchess has duennas in her service that might be countesses if it was the will of fortune; 'but laws go as kings like;' let nobody speak ill of duennas, above all of ancient maiden ones."
Context: Her passionate defense of her profession against Sancho's stereotypes
She's arguing that circumstances, not character, determine social position. Her phrase 'laws go as kings like' suggests that social rules are arbitrary and unfair, not natural or just.
In Today's Words:
The women I work with are just as good as anyone else - they could run companies if they'd had different opportunities. The system is rigged, and nobody should trash working women, especially those who've given their whole lives to service.
"Since this lady duenna comes in quest of me from such a distant land she cannot be one of those the apothecary meant; moreover this is a countess."
Context: Trying to diplomatically defend the approaching Distressed Duenna while calming tensions
Don Quixote attempts to resolve the contradiction by making exceptions - this duenna is different because of her noble title and exotic origin. He's trying to have it both ways, maintaining courtesy without challenging the underlying prejudice.
In Today's Words:
Look, this particular woman is different - she's got credentials and she's traveled far to see me, so she can't be like the others you're complaining about.
Thematic Threads
Class
In This Chapter
Sancho uses his new governor status to look down on duennas, while Doña Rodriguez defends her professional dignity against class prejudice
Development
Evolved from Don Quixote's noble pretensions to Sancho's newfound power corrupting his perspective on social hierarchy
In Your Life:
You might catch yourself judging people by their job title or uniform rather than their character and actions.
Identity
In This Chapter
Both Sancho and Doña Rodriguez define themselves through their social roles rather than individual worth
Development
Continues the theme of characters struggling between authentic self and social expectations
In Your Life:
You might find yourself defending your entire profession when someone criticizes your work, instead of addressing the specific issue.
Prejudice
In This Chapter
Sancho repeats secondhand gossip about duennas without personal experience, while others make assumptions based on job categories
Development
Introduced here as a new exploration of how stereotypes spread and damage relationships
In Your Life:
You might realize you're judging entire groups based on limited information or workplace gossip.
Power
In This Chapter
Sancho's upcoming governorship makes him dismissive of those he perceives as beneath his new station
Development
Shows how even small amounts of power can corrupt perspective and relationships
In Your Life:
You might notice how a promotion or new responsibility changes how you view former peers or subordinates.
Workplace Dynamics
In This Chapter
Different servant classes within the duke's household compete for respect and status rather than supporting each other
Development
Introduced here as a detailed look at how professional hierarchies create unnecessary conflict
In Your Life:
You might recognize similar tensions between departments or job levels in your own workplace.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
Why does Sancho suddenly start attacking all duennas, and how does Doña Rodriguez respond to his blanket criticism?
analysis • surface - 2
What does Sancho's timing reveal about why people put others down when they get promoted or gain status?
analysis • medium - 3
Where have you seen this same pattern of people fighting over who ranks higher instead of working together?
application • medium - 4
When someone tries to elevate themselves by putting down your job or background, what's the smartest way to respond?
application • deep - 5
Why do people get trapped in defending their entire profession or group instead of standing up for themselves as individuals?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Map Your Workplace Hierarchy Wars
Think about your current or recent workplace. Draw or list the different job levels and departments. Mark where you've seen people put each other down based on job titles rather than actual performance. Identify one specific example where status competition hurt teamwork or created unnecessary conflict.
Consider:
- •Notice who gets defensive about their job title versus who focuses on doing good work
- •Look for times when people judge based on uniforms, departments, or pay grades rather than character
- •Consider how you might step out of hierarchy wars and focus on shared goals instead
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when you felt looked down on because of your job or background. How did it affect you, and what would you do differently if it happened again?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 110: The Distressed Duenna's Tale Begins
The mysterious Countess Trifaldi finally makes her dramatic entrance with twelve mourning duennas in tow, ready to present her tale of woe. Her appearance will test everything the characters just debated about courtesy, rank, and respect.
