What I know about Don Quixote from my personal experience is limited. I never thought much about this book, and certainly never knew it was the watershed work that was the foundation of the literary genre known as “the novel.” I knew that it involved a madman chasing windmills, but I have no concept of how that is incorporated into the plot of the book.
After reading the introduction I am thoroughly irritated because of the scholar’s insistence on spoiling the plot in the second paragraph. Yes, it is a literary masterpiece, and yes, I am reading it as an educational pursuit, but I’d still like to enjoy the book as a plot unfolding! Nevertheless the introduction laid out some important background knowledge about Cervante’s life and personal pursuits, as well as how the tale of Don Quixote de la Mancha is told.
Ch. 1 – Tells how Don Quixote went mad by becoming so enmeshed in stories of chivalry and thereby decided to become a knight-errant.
Hi - I found your blog after reading a comment on the WTM forums about CC. I'm thinking about enrolling my daughter for next year, and the things you wrote about not liking are what I am concerned about not liking. (Did that make sense?) Anyway, I saw you had a blog and click, click, clicked my way here. I had to comment though, because I recently read Don Quixote as part of trying my hand at Susan's book. It took me FOREVER to read that darn book, but I felt good about it when I finally got through it! It was so long though, I haven't read anything else on her list. I plan to...eventually... :-)
ReplyDeleteSorry, one more thing...I just looked at your links - I am also a big fan of Sally Clarkson! I subscribed to your blog, look forward to reading more!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Melanie! I needed some encouragement about DQ...I expected not to like it, but actually it's quite funny.
ReplyDeleteIf you want to join me in reading some of her recommendations after DQ I'd welcome the company.
I just finished Don Quixote, and yes it is a very, very, very long book. I had to force myself to read it. I am taking a bread and moving on, before I tackle it again.
ReplyDeleteI am glad I am not alone in the struggle.
welcome aboard, Jana! Let us know how it goes.
ReplyDelete