Chivalry to the Rescue: The Dynamics of Liberation in <i>Don Quijote’</i>
Diana de Armas Wilson
We may be able to live without certainty. But can we really do wonder? ANDREA NIGHTINGALE PART I OF DON QUIJOTE SWARMS with liberations, from both the prisons of war and love. Readers will always captivated by Cervantes's fictional captive, Ruy Perez de Viedma, whose response regaining his lost freedom informs one most sublime passages in Quijote: hay tierra ... contento que se iguale a alcanzar libertad perdida (I, 39). (1) As is well known, this remark about incomparable joy liberation expresses own feelings after release Algiers. (2) Don Quijote also invites readers into many erotic prisons, introducing us characters entangled nets love--presos as afflicted hero himself puts it, en intricable red amorosa 21). Their liberation, if when it occurs, joyful event. This essay, however, looks at darker side liberations. Tilted toward figure liberator, explores chivalric dynamics Quijote's botched tactics. These are spectacular senses term. all remember those roadside conflicts that end failed scenarios. Who forget inept abused farmboy Andres (who curses him for it) 3 I, 31)? Or chain-gang galley slaves stone 22)? Although chief slave Gines Pasamonte smoothly greets their lord (senor y libertador nuestro), quickly collapses 22). Both these interventions trigger some savage violence, including long hospitalization Andres, who later blames liberator 31). A similar dynamic occurs two female scenarios virtually frame Part which comes rescue different noble ladies he thinks being forcibly kidnapped: Basque matron princess coach (alguna princesa aquel coche) early 8), statue Virgin Mary its close (aquella buena senora alli va cautiva) 52). The matron's costs half an ear 9) Blessed Virgin's, shoulder smashed pieces nowhere Cervantes topic more (in classical sense word addressed later) than Maese Pedro's puppet show (la graciosa aventura del titerero) (II, 26), episode glosses I. Sancho visit inn or venta featuring, evening's entertainment, kind itinerant mountebank. has no formal title, various points called la Melisendra. recycles old Carolingian narrative human simulacra. watch puppets (titeres) act out script, recognize how radically altered legend, dynamics, liberation. Apart set music Manuel Falla 1922 (El Retablo Pedro), been finely explored through literary, historical, performative readings. (3) My approach political and, ancient oblique fashion, philosophical. After few prefatory remarks on imperial ambitions, take giant steps down centuries, moving episode's Virgilian overture, plot, Renaissance commentary wages Finally, spectacle show, using quality wonder explicated Andrea Nightingale Spectacles Truth Classical Greek Philosophy. THE IMPERIAL STRAIN Our fondness should not allow overlook certain (and imperious) strains mania: fantasy becoming el mayor senor mundo 39), studied imitations Saracen-fighting knights, wild impulsivity acts …
Cervantes