Don Quixote: Saint or Mad

From this quote of the first part, Don explains to his servant that the real characteristic of the lady he is falling for is not important for him because he has already portrayed his ideal characteristic of her in his imagination. The real face of Dulcinea is not available for readers because throughout the novel, she is only seen via Don’s imaginative figure. His imagination and fantasy have created an ideal figure for her that takes place of reality

Until his last chances of defense, Don tries his best to believe in his illusion and influence others around him that his visions are real; however, when there is no chance and he is left with only reality, Don fears the truth of living in real life without a purpose. The last defeat of this character is at the hand of a man from his hometown. Due to his defeat, Quixote has to take an oath to give up on his adventure and return to his place. After his arrival to his hometown, Quixote’s health gets worst and he is dying of fever; however, just before his death in the last chapter he claims that his sanity has returned and his visions of his fantasy are no longer in control.
Miguel in this novel has blended both fiction and reality to portray Don’s life and adventures. Reality is totally different from fiction for human; however, Don advice readers to create their own reality even if it means having their own fantasy life in their minds.

As he lives in his fantasy Don Quixote is a brave man and he success his battle against his enemies; however, in the last chapter readers feels Don Quixote fear of raising reality and fading illusion, and his will to die is clear. Miguel has provided Don a purpose for is life. Don is so attached to his dream and illusion that he becomes a part of it and readers are drawn into it. Miguel has created an environment of fantasy that his character can be himself and functions as he wants while in reality those functions would be difficult for the character. Readers can feel the value of the illusion and imagination that are done in the book as Don Quixote is all illusion.
Reader cannot clearly point out if Don was saint or mad because he was a man living his determined self. In the novel, individuals are influenced to determine their dreams and identify ambitious self to live in their own reality.

The book is known to spread positivity among the readers because of the personality of Don who has seen the beauty in everything. For example, he has seen a prostitute woman as a virgin and innocent lady until the woman herself believed in Don and has seen herself worthy of good things. This positive reflection of the novel made more and more readers day by day. Also, Don’s openness for great changes in life is one way of motivating readers of this novel to take actions and determine their story instead of the society writing their story.