Canon Fodder: A Study of Don Quijote
Canon Fodder: A Study of Don Quijote

Summary/Abstract: The two parts of Cervantes’ Don Quijote are separated not only by time, being published ten years apart, but also in mood and atmosphere as well as by a more serious outlook on various problems of life (breakdown in human relationships, lack of self-control or loss of trust in the others) or on the socio-economic issues such as poverty, lawlessness, the decadence of aristocracy, etc. The paper will illustratethese differences by starting with the analysis of various aspects of the respective prologues that, actually, announce the changes in perspective from a playful, funny tone in Part 1 to a more serious one in Part 2. These changes also suggest a shift in Cervantes’ historical situation and other life-changes that marked him and his view on himself, on the society and on humanity. The analysis will be continued on variousother characters and tales to suggest that the story of Don Quijote is a journey in space, a play, as well as involvement, consideration, the importance of play on reality and refusal to give up playing.

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