Quixote: Romantic adventure, modern novel and omission

Abstract

The commemoration of the iv Centennial of the publishing of Part 2 of Quixote seems an appropriate occasion to rediscover the varied interpretations that have appeared of this classic work of Spanish literature, with special emphasis on the romantic interpretation of Quixote. The search for happiness through literature, and the defense of an imaginative and creative vision, together with a subjective vision of reality, are some of the aspects that help us understand romanticism. This essay is based on Anthony Close’s postulate that Romanticism is responsible for the omission of the comical effect in Cervantes’ work. On the other hand, we consider that romanticism reflects one of modern man’s most essential ideals; namely, a yearning for adventure. Clearly, it is difficult to reconcile the misfortune of romantic thought, which consists in the discovery that its ideal is unattainable in this world, with this festive, humorous story of the witty gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha. Nevertheless, while as readers we need not feel any temptation to imitate Don Quixote, we can certainly imagine his adventures, and more interesting still, this may awake within us the romantic taste for adventure.