Idealism

Primary image (Left): Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. Don Quixote de la Mancha: The History of the Renowned Don Quixote de la Mancha. Translated by Peter Motteux, vol. 2, London: Nonesuch Press, 1930. Artist: E. McKnight Kauffer

Secondary image (Right): Cervantes Saavedra, Miguel de. The History of that Ingenious Gentleman, Don Quixote de la Mancha. Translated by P.A. Motteux, vol. 1, Edinburgh: John Grant, 1902. Artist: Adolphe Lalauze

In this illustration, the right side of the image, devoid of color, exemplifies Don Quixote’s false sense of reality through religious and idealistic overtones. In contrast, the le side depicts his refusal to accept reality. A er reading many chivalric tales, he becomes obsessed with upholding the same ideals as those of knights-errant, including honor. In pursuit of righting wrongs and upholding honor, he realizes that he cannot attain the ideal as himself, Alonso Quijano, and adopts the identity of Don Quixote. Don Quixote embodies idealism as a means of righting wrongs, if only for the validation of upholding the code of knight errantry and in doing so, his honor. Therefore, governed by his delusional aspirations, the knight immerses himself in a chivalric world that revolves around fantasy - transforming his quest for honor into the condemning cross that he will forever have to bear.

Erica Cornell
Jack Fredericksen
Daniel Santoyo
Nicole Vieyto