Title of Presentation or Performance
“A Psychological Investigation of Reality and Fantasy Seen Within Don Quixote” “ Una Investigación Psicológica De Realidad Y Fantasia Visto En Don Quijote”
Submission Type
Event
Expected Graduation Date
2013
Location
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
Start Date
4-20-2013 2:00 PM
End Date
4-20-2013 3:00 PM
Abstract
This paper investigates the psychological elements of reality and fantasy within the characters of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s Don Quixote and how it influences their own identities. The novel is set during a time where knighthood is a thing of the past, but Don Quixote, the protagonist, courageously goes against the norm in the attempt to become a famous knight as portrayed in his coveted chivalric books. Because he goes against the norm, most of his peers believe he has truly “gone mad.” Along with his squire, Sancho, they partake in several successful and unsuccessful adventures while traveling throughout Spain. Whether or not the adventures are actually successful depend upon what really happens and how Don Quixote perceives them. In general, Don Quixote fails to see certain events that occur during his travels, whereas Sancho has a better sense of reality. They meet several people throughout their journey, some who trick them and some who genuinely try to help them achieve the goals they are pursuing. Together, while interacting with several people of diverse backgrounds, they go through their own development of how they perceive the world and decipher the true meaning of reality versus fantasy.
“A Psychological Investigation of Reality and Fantasy Seen Within Don Quixote” “ Una Investigación Psicológica De Realidad Y Fantasia Visto En Don Quijote”
Atrium, Center for Natural Sciences, Illinois Wesleyan University
This paper investigates the psychological elements of reality and fantasy within the characters of Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra’s Don Quixote and how it influences their own identities. The novel is set during a time where knighthood is a thing of the past, but Don Quixote, the protagonist, courageously goes against the norm in the attempt to become a famous knight as portrayed in his coveted chivalric books. Because he goes against the norm, most of his peers believe he has truly “gone mad.” Along with his squire, Sancho, they partake in several successful and unsuccessful adventures while traveling throughout Spain. Whether or not the adventures are actually successful depend upon what really happens and how Don Quixote perceives them. In general, Don Quixote fails to see certain events that occur during his travels, whereas Sancho has a better sense of reality. They meet several people throughout their journey, some who trick them and some who genuinely try to help them achieve the goals they are pursuing. Together, while interacting with several people of diverse backgrounds, they go through their own development of how they perceive the world and decipher the true meaning of reality versus fantasy.