DON QUIXOTE’S HOME-COMING
by Unknown · from The Red Romance Book
Adapted Version
Sir Quixote loved to pretend he was a knight. His friends worried about him. They wanted to help him go home. Mr. Priest and Mr. Barber were his friends. Sir Quixote dreamed too much. They wanted to help him go home. They made a plan.
The friends made a big cart. It was a special cart. They made it in secret. They dressed in funny clothes. They wanted to help Sir Quixote. He would not know them. This was part of their plan.
At night, they went to Sir Quixote. They gently helped him. He went into the big cart. Sir Quixote woke up. He saw the funny clothes. He thought it was a magic adventure. He could not move. He thought he was magic too.
Sir Quixote heard a voice. He thought it was a magic voice. He thought he would go on a trip. It was a happy trip. He was very glad. He loved special trips.
Sancho was Sir Quixote's friend. He promised to stay. The big cart began to move. Rocinante the horse walked. Sancho rode his donkey. Sir Quixote dreamed of knights. He liked his new ride.
They met a kind traveler. Sir Quixote told him knight stories. He talked about magic. Sancho spoke to the traveler. "My master likes to pretend," Sancho said. "He eats and sleeps." The traveler smiled.
Sancho asked a question. "Can Sir Quixote stretch his legs?" he asked. So they let him out. He walked for a little while. It was nice to walk.
Sir Quixote saw some people. They walked very slowly. He thought they were bad guys. He wanted to be a hero. He ran to them. He wanted to fight. Sancho ran after him.
Sir Quixote ran fast. He tripped and fell down. Bonk! He felt dizzy. He lay on the ground. He was very still. Sancho came to him.
Sir Quixote felt better. He asked to go back. "Put me in the big cart," he said. Sancho agreed. "Yes, master," Sancho said. "It is safer inside." He helped Quixote. They went back to the cart.
At last, they came home. Sir Quixote was in the big cart. Maria and Sofia saw him. They were happy to see him. They were a little tired. They helped him out.
They put Sir Quixote in his bed. He needed to rest. Priest said, "Stay in bed." He rested well. He was home now. He would dream of new adventures again!
Original Story
DON QUIXOTE’S HOME-COMING
By this time the company of friends who had been passing their days so pleasantly at the inn, were called away by other business, but, not liking to leave Don Quixote to himself, they contrived a plan by which the priest and barber were to carry him home, where they hoped his wits might come back to him.
So they set about making secretly a large cage of poles, having the sides latticed, so that Don Quixote should receive both air and light, and this cage was to be placed on a bullock-cart which happened to be going in the same direction. The rest of the company put on masks and disguised themselves in various manners, so that the knight might not know them again.
These preparations being finished, they stole softly into his room at the dead of night and tied his hands and feet firmly together. He woke with a start, and, seeing the array of strange figures about him, took them to be the phantoms which hovered about the enchanted castle, and believed without doubt that he himself was enchanted likewise, for he could neither move nor fight.
This reasoning pleased the priest greatly, as in just such a manner he had reckoned that the knight would behave. Sancho alone had been left in the garments that he commonly wore, and he was not deceived by the ghosts who passed before him. But he looked on and said nothing till he should see how the matter turned out.
When all was ready, Don Quixote was picked up and carried to the cage, where they laid him at full length, but taking good care to nail the door, so that it could not be opened. Then a voice was heard from behind to utter a prophecy, which Don Quixote understood to mean that he was setting forth on his wedding journey, and that he was to be bound in marriage to the Lady Dulcinea del Toboso, whose name he had always upheld in battle.
The knight responded joyfully to the words he heard, beseeching the mighty enchanter in whose power he was not to leave him in his prison till these glorious promises had been fulfilled, and appealing to Sancho never to part from him either in good or ill fortune. Sancho bowed in answer and kissed his master’s hand; then the ghosts took up the cage and placed it on a waggon.
Don Quixote beguiled the way after his usual fashion, recalling the stories of enchantments he had read, yet never finding a knight who had been enchanted after his fashion.
‘No knight that ever I heard,’ said he, ‘was drawn by such heavy and sluggish animals. Strange it is indeed to be carried to adventures in an ox-cart, instead of flying through the air on a griffin or a cloud! Yet, mayhap, the new chivalry, of which I am the first knight, may have new ways’; and with that he contented himself, and discoursed to Sancho about the ghosts, while Rozinante and the ass were saddled. Then Sancho mounted his ass and took Rozinante’s rein, the priest meanwhile giving the troopers a few pence a day to ride by the ox-cart as far as Don Quixote’s native village.
After allowing Don Quixote to bid farewell to the good people gathered at the inn door, the priest, still masked, gave the signal to the driver, and the cart drawn by the oxen started at a foot’s pace. The troopers rode on each side to guard it, and behind them came Sancho riding on his ass, leading Rozinante, while the priest and the barber, mounted on a pair of fine mules, brought up the rear.
They journeyed in silence for some time, till the driver of the ox-cart, who was a lazy fellow, called a halt as he himself wished to rest, and the grass was rich and green for the oxen. Soon they were joined by a company of well-dressed men on horseback, who stopped in surprise on seeing such a strange sight as that of a man in a cage. The leader of the party, who made himself known to them as a canon of Toledo, entered into conversation with the captive knight. Don Quixote informed him that he was enchanted by reason of envy of his glorious deeds, which was denied by Sancho Panza, who declared that when he was at liberty his master ate, drank, and slept like other people, and if no one hindered him would talk more than thirty lawyers.
The canon and his friends rode on with the priest for some distance, as he desired greatly to hear the tale of Don Quixote’s adventures, for never before had he met with such a strange man. In the heat of the day they again rested in a shady spot, and here, at the petition of the squire, Don Quixote was unloosed from his bonds and set at liberty.
For a while he was content to pass the hours of his journey in hearing and telling of matters of chivalry, rejoicing to find himself once more on the back of Rozinante. But unfortunately the sight of a procession of men in white approaching him stirred up all his anger, for, as was his custom, he instantly divined that they were assembled for some unlawful purpose, though in sooth they were a body of penitents praying that rain might fall upon their thirsty land. He dashed up to battle, followed by Sancho on foot, who arrived just at the moment that his master fell to the ground stunned by a tremendous blow. The penitents who formed the procession, seeing so many men running up, received them with fists and candlesticks, but when one of them cast his eyes on the priest who was journeying with Don Quixote he found that he had known him formerly, and begged him to tell what all this might mean.
By the time the story was told Don Quixote’s wits began to return to him, and he called to Sancho to put him back into the cage, as he had been nigh dead, and could not hold himself on Rozinante.
‘With all my heart,’ answered Sancho, thankful that the adventure had ended no worse; ‘and if these gentlemen will do us the honour to go with us, we will return home and there make plans for adventures that will bring us more profit and glory.’
The villagers were all gathered together in the great square, when at the end of six days a cage containing a man passed through their midst. The people pressed close to see who the captive might be, and when they saw it was Don Quixote, they sent a boy to tell his housekeeper and his niece that the knight had come back looking pale and lean from his wanderings.
Loud were the cries raised by the good women when they saw him in so sorry a plight, and they undressed him and put him to bed with what speed they were able.
‘Keep him there as long as you may,’ said the priest who had brought him; but it is whispered that this period of rest and repose did not last, and that soon Don Quixote might have been seen again mounted on Rozinante and seeking adventures.
[Don Quixote.]
Story DNA
Plot Summary
Concerned friends conspire to bring the deluded Don Quixote home from an inn. They cage him, making him believe he is enchanted and on a wedding journey, and transport him by ox-cart. During the journey, Don Quixote converses with a curious canon and, when temporarily freed, immediately attacks a religious procession, mistaking them for enemies. After being knocked unconscious, he requests to be put back in the cage, and is finally brought home to his village, where his family cares for him, though his return to adventuring is hinted.
Themes
Emotional Arc
delusion to temporary lucidity
Writing Style
Narrative Elements
Cultural Context
This is an adaptation of a section from Miguel de Cervantes' 'Don Quixote,' a foundational work of Western literature that satirizes chivalric romances popular in the 16th and 17th centuries.
Plot Beats (12)
- Don Quixote's friends decide to take him home to cure his madness.
- They secretly build a cage and disguise themselves as phantoms.
- At night, they tie Don Quixote, who believes he is enchanted, and place him in the cage.
- A voice prophesies his wedding journey to Dulcinea, which Don Quixote joyfully accepts.
- Sancho pledges loyalty, and the group sets off in an ox-cart, with Don Quixote musing on new chivalry.
- They encounter a canon of Toledo, who converses with Don Quixote about his enchantment, while Sancho reveals his master's true state.
- Don Quixote is unloosed from his bonds at Sancho's request.
- Don Quixote, seeing a procession of penitents, mistakes them for enemies and charges into battle.
- He is struck down and stunned by a penitent.
- Upon recovering, Don Quixote asks to be returned to the cage, and Sancho agrees, hoping for profitable adventures at home.
- After six days, Don Quixote arrives in his village, still in the cage, to the dismay of his housekeeper and niece.
- He is put to bed, and the priest advises keeping him there, but the story hints that Don Quixote will soon resume his adventures.
Characters
Don Quixote
Tall and gaunt, with a lean build, suggesting a life of intellectual pursuits rather than physical labor. He appears pale and somewhat emaciated from his wanderings and lack of proper sustenance.
Attire: Though not explicitly described in this excerpt, he is known for wearing rusty, ill-fitting armor, likely a breastplate and helmet, over simple, worn garments of a Spanish gentleman from the 17th century, such as a doublet and breeches, possibly made of coarse wool or linen, now tattered and stained.
Wants: To revive chivalry, right wrongs, protect the innocent, and win glory for his imagined lady, Dulcinea del Toboso.
Flaw: His profound delusion, which causes him to misinterpret reality and act recklessly, often leading to his own harm or embarrassment.
In this specific excerpt, he is brought home against his will, still deeply entrenched in his delusions, though there's a brief moment of lucidity after being stunned. The story ends with the hint that his 'rest and repose' will not last, suggesting a cyclical return to his adventures.
Delusional, idealistic, courageous (in his own mind), imaginative, and persistent. He genuinely believes in the chivalric code and his role as a knight-errant.
Sancho Panza
Short and stout, with a round belly, reflecting his love for food and a more grounded, practical life. He has a sturdy build, contrasting sharply with Don Quixote's leanness.
Attire: Simple, practical peasant clothing typical of 17th-century Spain: a coarse linen or wool shirt, a jerkin, loose breeches, and sturdy leather boots or sandals. His clothes are functional and well-worn, not decorative.
Wants: To gain wealth and a governorship promised by Don Quixote, and to ensure his master's well-being (despite the constant trouble).
Flaw: His gullibility and desire for material gain, which often lead him to follow Don Quixote into absurd situations.
In this excerpt, he remains loyal to Don Quixote, even when his master is caged, and expresses relief when an adventure ends without worse harm. He continues to hope for future, more profitable adventures.
Pragmatic, loyal, simple-minded, good-natured, and somewhat greedy. He is the voice of common sense, though often swayed by promises of reward.
The Priest
Likely of average height and build, perhaps a bit portly, as befits a man of the cloth who enjoys a comfortable life. His appearance would be neat and respectable.
Attire: The traditional attire of a 17th-century Spanish priest: a long, dark cassock made of wool or linen, possibly with a white clerical collar. When disguised, he wears a mask and other concealing garments.
Wants: To return Don Quixote to his home and sanity, and to protect him from further harm.
Flaw: His methods, though well-intentioned, often involve deception, which can sometimes backfire or prolong Don Quixote's delusions.
He actively orchestrates Don Quixote's return home, showing his continued dedication to his friend's recovery. He remains a constant, guiding presence.
Intelligent, resourceful, compassionate, and practical. He genuinely cares for Don Quixote's well-being and seeks to cure his madness.
The Barber
Likely of average height and build, perhaps a bit more nimble than the priest, given his profession. He would be well-groomed.
Attire: Practical, respectable clothing of a 17th-century Spanish tradesman: a doublet and breeches made of sturdy wool or linen, a clean shirt, and a cloak for travel. When disguised, he wears a mask.
Wants: To assist the Priest in returning Don Quixote to sanity and home.
Flaw: Perhaps a tendency to be overly theatrical in his deceptions, though this serves the purpose of convincing Don Quixote.
He actively participates in the plan to bring Don Quixote home, showing his continued support and resourcefulness.
Resourceful, practical, loyal, and a good conspirator. He is less intellectual than the priest but equally committed to helping Don Quixote.
Rozinante
A lean, bony, and somewhat decrepit horse, reflecting his age and the hardships of his master's adventures. His coat is likely a dull, faded color, perhaps bay or sorrel, showing signs of wear and neglect.
Attire: A worn, simple saddle and bridle, likely made of aged leather, possibly with some rusty metal fittings.
Wants: To carry his master, as is his duty as a knight's steed.
Flaw: His old age and physical frailty, making him a poor warhorse.
He continues to serve Don Quixote faithfully, even when led by Sancho. His role is consistent as the knight's loyal, if inadequate, mount.
Patient, long-suffering, and loyal, despite his physical limitations. He endures Don Quixote's eccentricities without complaint.
The Canon of Toledo
A well-dressed and presumably well-fed man, indicating his high clerical status and comfortable life. He would have a dignified and scholarly appearance.
Attire: Fine, dark clerical robes, possibly made of silk or fine wool, befitting a high-ranking church official in 17th-century Spain. He would be well-mounted on a good horse.
Wants: To understand Don Quixote's unique madness and to hear the tale of his adventures.
Flaw: His intellectual curiosity, which leads him to engage with Don Quixote's delusions, potentially prolonging the knight's fantasy.
He serves as an intellectual foil to Don Quixote, engaging him in conversation and attempting to reason with him, though ultimately unsuccessful in curing his madness.
Intelligent, curious, discerning, and somewhat skeptical. He is intrigued by Don Quixote's madness but also understands its tragic nature.
Locations
The Inn Room
A private room within a Spanish venta (inn), likely with simple, rustic furnishings. It is dark, lit only by whatever light the conspirators brought in.
Mood: Eerie, conspiratorial, disorienting for Don Quixote.
Don Quixote is secretly bound and placed into a cage by his disguised friends, believing himself to be enchanted.
Spanish Countryside Road
A dusty, unpaved road winding through the arid, sun-baked plains of La Mancha, Spain. Sparse vegetation, possibly olive groves or scrubland, lines the route. The sky is wide and open.
Mood: Long, arduous journey, sometimes peaceful, sometimes tense.
Don Quixote is transported in his cage, encountering a canon of Toledo and later a procession of penitents.
Shady Resting Spot
A secluded, cool area along the road, offering respite from the Spanish sun. Likely under a cluster of trees, perhaps holm oaks or pines, providing dense shade. The ground would be softer, possibly with more grass.
Mood: Temporary relief, calm before renewed chaos.
Don Quixote is unloosed from his bonds at Sancho's request and converses with the canon.
Don Quixote's Village Square
The central plaza of a small, traditional Castilian village. Likely paved with cobblestones or packed earth, surrounded by simple, whitewashed houses with red tile roofs. A church or town hall might be visible.
Mood: Curious, bustling, then sorrowful and concerned.
Don Quixote returns home in his cage, witnessed by the entire village, and is greeted by his housekeeper and niece.