Summary
Sancho finally departs for his governorship, leaving Don Quixote feeling deeply lonely at the duke's castle. The duchess offers servants to attend him, but Don Quixote insists on privacy in his chambers, determined to maintain his virtue and fidelity to Dulcinea. That night, as he undresses alone, his stockings tear—a small but humiliating reminder of his poverty. The narrator Cide Hamete reflects on how poverty especially torments gentlemen who must maintain appearances while lacking means. Don Quixote's solitude is interrupted when he overhears voices in the garden below. A young woman named Altisidora serenades him with a lengthy ballad declaring her love, despite knowing he belongs to another. The song reveals her as barely fourteen, describing herself with self-deprecating humor while praising Don Quixote's virtues. Don Quixote recognizes this as exactly the kind of romantic adventure from his chivalric novels, but rather than being flattered, he feels alarmed. He reaffirms his commitment to Dulcinea, declaring himself 'honey' to her alone but 'flint' to all others. The chapter explores themes of loneliness, temptation, and the challenge of maintaining integrity when isolated. It shows how Don Quixote's delusions sometimes protect him—his unwavering devotion to an idealized love keeps him from real-world entanglements that could compromise his values.
Coming Up in Chapter 117
Meanwhile, Sancho arrives at his 'island' to begin governing, where his practical wisdom will be put to the test in ways neither he nor Don Quixote could have imagined.
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An excerpt from the original text.(~500 words)
HOW SANCHO PANZA WAS CONDUCTED TO HIS GOVERNMENT, AND OF THE STRANGE ADVENTURE THAT BEFELL DON QUIXOTE IN THE CASTLE It is stated, they say, in the true original of this history, that when Cide Hamete came to write this chapter, his interpreter did not translate it as he wrote it—that is, as a kind of complaint the Moor made against himself for having taken in hand a story so dry and of so little variety as this of Don Quixote, for he found himself forced to speak perpetually of him and Sancho, without venturing to indulge in digressions and episodes more serious and more interesting. He said, too, that to go on, mind, hand, pen always restricted to writing upon one single subject, and speaking through the mouths of a few characters, was intolerable drudgery, the result of which was never equal to the author’s labour, and that to avoid this he had in the First Part availed himself of the device of novels, like “The Ill-advised Curiosity,” and “The Captive Captain,” which stand, as it were, apart from the story; the others are given there being incidents which occurred to Don Quixote himself and could not be omitted. He also thought, he says, that many, engrossed by the interest attaching to the exploits of Don Quixote, would take none in the novels, and pass them over hastily or impatiently without noticing the elegance and art of their composition, which would be very manifest were they published by themselves and not as mere adjuncts to the crazes of Don Quixote or the simplicities of Sancho. Therefore in this Second Part he thought it best not to insert novels, either separate or interwoven, but only episodes, something like them, arising out of the circumstances the facts present; and even these sparingly, and with no more words than suffice to make them plain; and as he confines and restricts himself to the narrow limits of the narrative, though he has ability; capacity, and brains enough to deal with the whole universe, he requests that his labours may not be despised, and that credit be given him, not alone for what he writes, but for what he has refrained from writing. And so he goes on with his story, saying that the day Don Quixote gave the counsels to Sancho, the same afternoon after dinner he handed them to him in writing so that he might get someone to read them to him. They had scarcely, however, been given to him when he let them drop, and they fell into the hands of the duke, who showed them to the duchess and they were both amazed afresh at the madness and wit of Don Quixote. To carry on the joke, then, the same evening they despatched Sancho with a large following to the village that was to serve him for an island. It happened that the person who had him in charge was a majordomo of the duke’s, a man of great...
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Intelligence Amplifier™ Analysis
The Road of Solitary Integrity
When separated from support systems and accountability, our deepest values face their strongest test through amplified vulnerability and temptation.
Why This Matters
Connect literature to life
This chapter teaches how isolation and stress create predictable moments when our values get tested most severely.
Practice This Today
This week, notice when you feel most tempted to compromise your standards—tired, alone, stressed, or desperate—and identify what anchors keep you steady.
Now let's explore the literary elements.
Terms to Know
Chivalric romance
A medieval literary genre featuring knights on noble quests, usually involving courtly love and impossible ideals. These stories shaped Don Quixote's worldview and expectations about how life should work.
Modern Usage:
We see this in romantic comedies and superhero movies that present unrealistic relationship or heroic ideals that real life can't match.
Courtly love
A medieval concept of idealized, often unrequited love where a knight devotes himself completely to a noble lady from afar. The love is pure, spiritual, and involves elaborate codes of conduct.
Modern Usage:
This shows up in celebrity worship, online crushes, or when someone idealizes a person they barely know instead of pursuing real relationships.
Governorship
In Don Quixote's time, wealthy nobles could grant administrative control over territories to their favorites. Sancho has been promised rule over an 'island' as reward for his loyalty.
Modern Usage:
Similar to when someone gets promoted to management or gets put in charge of a project - suddenly having power over others they used to work alongside.
Genteel poverty
The condition of being from a 'good family' or having social status but lacking money to maintain appearances. Don Quixote faces constant embarrassment from his worn clothing and limited means.
Modern Usage:
Like someone who went to college but works retail, or families who own a house but struggle to pay for repairs - maintaining dignity while financially struggling.
Serenade
A musical performance, typically by a man for a woman he's courting, often performed outside her window at night. Here, Altisidora reverses the tradition by serenading Don Quixote.
Modern Usage:
Modern equivalents include grand romantic gestures like boom box scenes in movies, or posting love songs on someone's social media.
Meta-narrative
When a story comments on itself or the process of storytelling. Cervantes frequently breaks the fourth wall to discuss the challenges of writing Don Quixote's story.
Modern Usage:
This appears in movies that acknowledge they're movies, TV shows that reference being on TV, or social media posts about posting on social media.
Characters in This Chapter
Don Quixote
Protagonist
Faces loneliness and temptation when separated from Sancho. His torn stockings symbolize his poverty, while his rejection of Altisidora shows his commitment to his ideals despite personal cost.
Modern Equivalent:
The person who sticks to their principles even when it's inconvenient or lonely
Sancho Panza
Absent companion
Though physically absent, his departure to his governorship leaves Don Quixote emotionally vulnerable and isolated, showing how much he depends on their friendship.
Modern Equivalent:
The work buddy whose absence makes you realize how much you relied on them
Altisidora
Young temptress
A fourteen-year-old girl who serenades Don Quixote from the garden, representing the kind of romantic adventure he's always dreamed of but must resist to stay true to Dulcinea.
Modern Equivalent:
The young person with a crush who doesn't understand why their attention isn't welcome
The Duchess
Manipulative host
Offers servants to attend Don Quixote but seems to be setting up situations to test or mock him, showing how the wealthy can toy with others for entertainment.
Modern Equivalent:
The boss who offers help but really wants to watch you struggle or fail
Cide Hamete
Fictional narrator
The supposed original author who complains about the difficulty of writing this story, representing Cervantes' own struggles with his lengthy narrative.
Modern Equivalent:
The content creator who breaks character to complain about their material or audience
Key Quotes & Analysis
"I am made of honey for Dulcinea del Toboso alone, and flint for all other women in the world."
Context: Don Quixote declares his unwavering loyalty to Dulcinea when faced with Altisidora's serenade.
This quote reveals Don Quixote's absolute commitment to his idealized love, using the metaphor of honey and flint to show he can be sweet or hard depending on the situation. It demonstrates how his delusions actually protect him from real-world temptations.
In Today's Words:
I'm only soft and sweet for my one true love - everyone else gets the cold shoulder.
"O poverty, poverty! I know not what could have induced that great Cordovan poet to call thee holy gift!"
Context: The narrator reflects on Don Quixote's embarrassment over his torn stockings.
This quote captures the bitter irony of poverty being called a virtue when it causes daily humiliation. It shows how financial struggle affects dignity and self-worth, especially for those trying to maintain appearances.
In Today's Words:
Poverty might build character, but it sure doesn't feel like a blessing when you can't afford decent clothes.
"Many, engrossed by the interest attaching to the exploits of Don Quixote, would take none in the novels, and pass them over hastily."
Context: The fictional author complains about readers skipping the side stories to get back to the main plot.
This meta-commentary reveals Cervantes' awareness of his audience and their preferences. It's both a complaint about readers' attention spans and a clever way to acknowledge the story's structure.
In Today's Words:
People just want to get to the good stuff and skip all the side plots I worked so hard on.
Thematic Threads
Loneliness
In This Chapter
Don Quixote feels deeply alone after Sancho's departure, making him vulnerable to romantic temptation
Development
Evolved from companionship themes—shows how separation tests character
In Your Life:
You might recognize this when working alone, traveling, or going through major life transitions without your usual support network.
Integrity
In This Chapter
Don Quixote maintains fidelity to Dulcinea despite isolation and temptation from Altisidora
Development
Builds on earlier themes of commitment—shows values holding under pressure
In Your Life:
You face this when your principles are tested and nobody would know if you compromised.
Class
In This Chapter
The torn stockings humiliate Don Quixote, highlighting the special burden poverty places on those expected to maintain appearances
Development
Continues exploration of how social expectations clash with economic reality
In Your Life:
You might feel this pressure when trying to maintain professional appearance or social status despite financial constraints.
Temptation
In This Chapter
Altisidora's serenade presents romantic temptation that mirrors the adventures in chivalric novels
Development
Introduced here as test of character under isolation
In Your Life:
You encounter this when isolated circumstances make normally unacceptable choices seem reasonable or justified.
Identity
In This Chapter
Don Quixote's commitment to his knight-errant identity protects him from compromising his values
Development
Shows how constructed identity can provide strength—builds on earlier identity themes
In Your Life:
You might find that strong sense of who you are and what you stand for helps resist pressure to act against your values.
You now have the context. Time to form your own thoughts.
Discussion Questions
- 1
What happens when Sancho leaves for his governorship, and how does Don Quixote respond to being alone at the duke's castle?
analysis • surface - 2
Why does Don Quixote refuse the duchess's offer of servants and insist on privacy, and what does the torn stocking incident reveal about his situation?
analysis • medium - 3
When have you seen people make different choices when they're alone versus when others are watching? What patterns do you notice?
application • medium - 4
Don Quixote uses his devotion to Dulcinea as an anchor against temptation. What anchors could someone create to maintain their values during lonely or vulnerable moments?
application • deep - 5
What does this chapter suggest about the relationship between isolation, vulnerability, and moral choices? How do our values get tested differently when we're alone?
reflection • deep
Critical Thinking Exercise
Build Your Integrity Anchor System
Think about times when you'll be isolated or vulnerable - working alone, traveling, facing stress without support. Write down three specific 'anchors' that could help you maintain your values during these moments. These could be people you'd disappoint, consequences you care about, or core principles that matter to you. Make them concrete and personal, not abstract ideals.
Consider:
- •Your anchors should be specific enough to remember under pressure
- •Consider both positive motivations (people you want to honor) and negative consequences (outcomes you want to avoid)
- •Think about situations where you've already been tested and what helped you stay strong
Journaling Prompt
Write about a time when being alone or isolated made you more tempted to compromise your values. What happened, and what anchor system might have helped you navigate that situation better?
Coming Up Next...
Chapter 117: Sancho's First Day as Governor
The coming pages reveal to see through deception by watching behavior, not just words, and teach us practical wisdom often trumps formal education in real situations. These discoveries help us navigate similar situations in our own lives.