This module introduces the course and the significance of Cervantes' "Don Quixote" as a masterpiece in Western literature. The professor explains the reasons behind its enduring relevance, the correct pronunciation of "Quixote," and the mispronunciations in different languages. The session delves into the historical and cultural background of the novel, discussing its impact on Western culture, evidenced by the term "quixotic." The lecture concludes by exploring the deep questioning of human nature presented in the book.
This module introduces the course and the significance of Cervantes' "Don Quixote" as a masterpiece in Western literature. The professor explains the reasons behind its enduring relevance, the correct pronunciation of "Quixote," and the mispronunciations in different languages. The session delves into the historical and cultural background of the novel, discussing its impact on Western culture, evidenced by the term "quixotic." The lecture concludes by exploring the deep questioning of human nature presented in the book.
This module explores the early chapters of "Don Quixote," highlighting its unique place in literature. González EchevarrÃa explains how the novel's invention is a pivotal moment in modern literature, made possible by Spain's seventeenth-century context. The module distinguishes between novels and romances, describing "Don Quixote" as the first novel due to its character-setting clash. It concludes with a detailed analysis of the prologue, focusing on authorship, literary legitimation, and self-invention.
This lecture continues the discussion on the innovative aspects of "Don Quixote," focusing on self-invention and literary techniques. The main character's defiance of social conventions and his unique madness are explored. Perspectivism is emphasized through linguistic variations and settings like the inn, which serves as a societal microcosm. The blending of literature and reality is showcased through dialogues and the presence of Sancho, ultimately questioning our beliefs.
This module delves into two principal plots of "Don Quixote": the narrative about the novel's creation and the story of the mad hidalgo. By paralleling Cervantes with Velázquez's techniques in "Las Meninas," it highlights the limitations of human knowledge. The lecture further examines key episodes, revealing how kindness transcends social origins and portraying free will as a central theme in Cervantes' socio-economic world.
This module provides a sharp analysis of the episode at Juan Palomeque's inn, likened to the novel's overall structure. It illustrates how social norms are subverted by desire, represented through unique characters marked by physical traits. The lecture explores basic human drives and the improvised architecture of the inn, mirroring the novel's design yet hinting at its cosmic connections.
This module explores profound reflections on literature and reality within "Don Quixote." The characters grapple with existential themes, such as the senses' ability to grasp reality and the satire of autobiographical writing. The episode of the galley slaves highlights a shift from Renaissance mimesis to experience-driven inventiveness, while perspectivism and new genres emerge as central themes in Cervantes' work.
Continuing with the episode of the galley slaves, this module explores the metaphor of congenial internal perspectivism. Cervantes' ability to craft complex characters with rich historical backgrounds is highlighted. The Sierra Morena episodes are examined, focusing on Don Quixote's quest for love and the interplay of crimes and misdemeanors. Marriage is portrayed as both a narrative closure and a form of recompense in these interconnected stories.
This module highlights Cervantes' narrative mastery in weaving chivalric romance with multiple novellas. The interconnected stories, driven by memory and personal reflection, echo Renaissance art techniques. By unveiling hidden stories and inner thoughts, Cervantes prompts readers to ponder on identity, ethics, and the roles we play in life, offering profound questions pertinent to our existence.
Cervantes' "Novel of the Curious Impertinent" is integrated into the Quixote, merging chivalric romance with Italian novelle. This narrative inclusion, presented through the voice of a priest, contrasts with the love stories at the inn. The module discusses René Girard's theory, examining mediated love and how it mirrors the intertwined tales leading to marriage and social restitution.
This module analyzes the narrative density at the end of Part I, highlighting recurring characters and incidents that enrich the fiction. Don Quixote's madness is portrayed as transcendent yet socially subversive. The captive's tale, intertwined with religious conversion, marks the culmination of these stories. Cervantes' creation of Don Quixote as a hero-fugitive draws from legal archives while embodying a providential agent.
The module discusses the ending of Part I of "Don Quixote," which was originally perceived as the novel's conclusion. Echoes of the prologue serve as partial endings, foreshadowing Don Quixote's fantasies' resolution. The conversation with the priest and canon critiques chivalric romances and Lope de Vega's plays. Cervantes' originality in narrative fiction contrasts with his conservative views on theater, deepening the novel's irony.
This module bridges the gap between the 1605 and 1615 editions of "Don Quixote." It reviews Part I's major themes, such as perspectivism, self-imposition, and relational characters. The influence of Spurious Avellaneda's Quixote is examined, along with Cervantes' development as a writer. The lecture assesses the cultural context and thematic evolution that set the stage for Part II.
This module delves into Part II of "Don Quixote," marking the evolution of the modern political novel. The narrative reflects current events, such as the expulsion of the Moriscos and a critique of the aristocracy. Characters, having read Part I, add a new layer to the existing mirror play. This section discusses the development of realism and its political implications in the novel.
Explore Spanish Baroque concepts in "Don Quixote," focusing on the transition from deceit to disillusionment. The discussion delves into the moral implications of actions, reflecting religious debates of the time. Episodes like El Toboso and the enchanted Dulcinea highlight role reversals between Don Quixote and Sancho, setting the tone for Part II's continued exploration of identity and perception.
This module reviews the Spanish Baroque concept of desengaño and its influence on "Don Quixote." By analyzing essays in the Casebook, the lecture examines Cervantes' unique style. Doubt and self-reflection become prevalent themes in Part II, as characters seek meaning and identity. The module concludes with an analysis of one of Cervantes' Exemplary Stories, "The Glass Graduate."
The loose format of "Don Quixote" allows for the incorporation of diverse narrative strands. The episode of Camacho's wedding demonstrates the theme of art correcting nature. It blends legal and transcendental elements, emphasizing marriage as a transformative institution. Cervantes' intertwining of myth and reality is paralleled with Velázquez's depiction of layered representation, revealing the nuanced process of creation.
This module covers two significant episodes in Part II: the descent into Montesinos cave and Master Peter's puppet show. Both episodes engage with literary topics and mimesis. Don Quixote's introspective journey challenges his beliefs, while Master Peter's show critiques contemporary playwrights and explores the act of representation. These complex episodes provide insights into the novel's depth and Cervantes' critique of art.
In this module, the political dimensions of Part II are explored. Geographic concreteness and sociopolitical context are introduced, contrasting Don Quixote's outdated views with new scientific perspectives. Characters like the duke and duchess reflect societal idleness, while the burlesque elements and religious debates highlight the novel's social critique. Cervantes' work is examined for its portrayal of evolving societal norms.
The development of Part II is analyzed, comparing it to Part I. Expansions in themes like love, death, and representation reach baroque limits. The lecture explores Virgil's influence and the epic task of self-conquest. Through complex storytelling and pranks, Cervantes critiques societal structures and representation, reflecting on the limits of art and the journey of self-discovery.
Don Quixote's epic task in Part II is to control his madness and accept the futility of his quest. The protagonist's growth is highlighted through his counsel to Sancho on governance. The good rule of Sancho reflects a shift in societal authority, suggesting the emergence of the common man as a ruler. The module underscores the irony of mockery and dignity in the narrative.
This module addresses three key aspects of the novel's impending conclusion. Improvisation is seen in the blend of geography and historical events. The international dimension is expanded with episodes in Barcelona. The impact of fiction on reality is explored, demonstrating how Cervantes uses narrative to influence and improve the real world. Sancho's fall into the pit is a parody of earlier episodes, symbolizing equality and progression.
As the novel approaches its end, Cervantes compresses various literary elements to create the modern novel. The episodes in Barcelona showcase the blending of genres, while the prank with the talking head explores the origins of language and literature. Cervantes incorporates Avellaneda's book, rejecting bookish knowledge in favor of experience. The narrative suggests a voluntary act of will as the only escape from fiction.
This module focuses on the conclusion of "Don Quixote," examining Cervantes' humor and humanity's folly. The recurring theme of returns highlights life's cyclical nature. Don Quixote conquers himself, accepting defeat and self-acceptance. The novel closes with Don Quixote's defeat, regained sanity, and death, offering a universally understood closure. The module concludes with reflections on Unamuno, Borges, and Picasso's interpretations of Don Quixote.
This module continues the exploration of Cervantes' Don Quixote, focusing specifically on the latter chapters (LXXI-LXXIV), examining the legacy of Cervantes beyond this seminal work.
Key topics include:
Students will be encouraged to think critically about the relevance of Cervantes' works in contemporary literature and their enduring significance.