The Canonization of Don Quixote

In the course of human history, thousands of creative works have been written. While there are those that have never survived the test of time, some have remained relevant over very long periods of time. Such canons include ‘Don Quixote’. Authored by Miguel de Cervantes, the novel was published partially in 1605 and 1615. It is one of the greatest literary products not only in Europe but also across the globe. So inspirational is the text that it is said to have inspired many writers who include Goethe, Dickens, and Faulkner, among others. It revolves around Don Quixote, a nobleman who leaves his home for an adventure. The greatness of the work basically relates to the author’s outstanding depiction of themes, characterization, and good usage of literary techniques; thus, these elements have canonized the artistic work.

To begin the novel depicts issues that are relevant even to modern society. For example, it presents the subject of obsession and its destructive nature. For perception, Don Quixote becomes so much obsessed with reading chivalric books that he turns himself mad from excessive reading. Subsequently, he departs his home for a chivalric escapade in which he tries to emulate the ancient knights.  He meets different strange people and later on seeks to knight himself. This makes him stand throughout the night over his armor in a preposterous bid for transformation. Furthermore, the fixation leads him to conflict with those he meets on the way (Chapters 15-27). For example, he often resorts to force when dealing with other people as in his attack on the Master of Arts, who suffers a broken leg in the process. He also beats up the barber and forcefully frees the slaves. In all these episodes, obsession is depicted as an objectionable trait in human traits; hence, there is the need to eliminate it from any society before it destroys an individual as in the case of Quixote.

There is also the topic of love that is illustrated in the text. Some of the depictions of the idea are in the relationship between the knight and Dulcinea, the lady he meets. What they have between them is a love life that faces numerous challenges that include instances of absences and jealousy (McLelland 27). This is for example seen when the knight is depressed as the relationship is almost breaking up. He ends up suspending his honorable activities and secludes himself. Later he creates his own form of contrition and suffers for his lover in the desert (Chapters 25-26). The relevance of this theme; hence, the canonization of the text, is in the actuality that love is a universal issue that relates to various aspects of human life. As such, the portrayal of the idea here will help the readers relate such as story with the love issues in several real human societies in which love is in abundance. 

As well, the depiction of characters is done in such a good way that makes the text an interesting read despite its old age. For example, the main character, Don, is presented as a character worth relating to in many aspects. Among these is his portrayal of an ambitious individual. This is shown, for instance, when he strives to be like some literary heroes who he admires. To take after them, he starts to imitate these characters. Eventually, he finds new meaning in his life as a fighter for a better world (Watt 65). For instance, he helps the damsels in anguish, fights giants, and tries to right wrongs in his society. Admittedly, a character with these qualities is worth admiring for he inspires many readers to fight for the right causes in their societies, which like most communities, are full of wrong deeds. Based on this, the text is able to remain highly appreciated to this day.

As well, his presentation as a loving character helps in drawing interest in the story. The romantic relationship between the protagonist and Dulcinea is well illustrated. The possibility of the affair ending greatly troubles Don. He is so much into depression as a result of it that he is unable to perform his normal duties (Chapters 25-26) In the long run; he finds himself in a kind of repentance for her case. Also, the caring nature of the character can be seen when he frees the slaves and helps the women who are in agony. Against this background, the character becomes relevant even to the modern readers for they will be able to associate themselves or the people who show others love with the affectionate Don in this novel.

In addition, the author of ‘Don Quixote’ was able to employ exceptional stylistic devices that enhance the delivery of the message in the text. For instance, the protagonist in the novel is said to have read until his ‘brain dried up’ (Bolens 13). Innately, this is an aspect of exaggeration. Naturally, people cannot have their head or brains drying up due to reading. The exaggeration in this context can be argued to be purposeful. It can be reasoned that it has been employed to make the character more admirable because of his nature as a determined person. Also, the use of this technique further makes it a captivating text for readers in the work. Again, the use of the device aids in stressing the fact that the Don read for long hours. In brief, these aspects affirm that the book is a canon.

Within the same perspective, the author used symbolism as a way of foregrounding his work.  The novel has various symbols. One of them is the protagonist in the novel. It can be argued that the man is used to symbolize certain people in the contemporary world (Watt 54). For example, his ambitious nature makes him comparable to individuals who are aspiring in life. Consequently, this can lead them to the achievement of admirable things and status in society. However, when the ambition turns into obsession as in the case of Don, it can lead to destruction. Besides, the character can be used to symbolize men in love as shown in his love affair with Dulcinea Therefore, such depictions will be very vital in making the work readable for long. This is because the readers can relate themselves or other people who they know with the character in the novel as they as read through.

To conclude, ‘Don Quixote’ deserves to be treated as a canon in the world of literature because of its outstanding presentation of different literary elements. Such include thematic concerns, the appearance of characters and assigning them relevant traits, and literary techniques.  Within the context of themes, some of the major ones in the novel include obsession and ambition. Also, the artistic ‘beings ‘such as Don Quixote have also been well portrayed. Lastly, the writer is able to use stylistic features such as exaggeration and symbolism to enhance the delivery of his concerns in addition to making it an interesting read. All these aspects help assert the viewpoint that ‘Don Quixote’ is a canon.

Works Cited

Bolens, Guillemette. “Relevance Theory and Kinesic Analysis in Don Quixote and Madame Bovary.”Oxford Scholarship Online, 2018.

McLelland, Rowan. “Not Another Don Quixote!”Oxford Handbooks Online, 2018.

Miguel, De Cervantes, and Ormsby John. “Don Quixote.”460+ Free Book Summaries and Study Guides, 2018, pinkmonkey.com/dl/library1/book0530.pd. Accessed 21 Nov. 2018.

Watt, Ian. “Don Quixote of La Mancha.”Myths of Modern Individualism, pp. 48-89.