Don Quixote Volume 1, Chapter 50

Don Quijote defends the veracity of these books historical accuracy by pointing out that they are printed by royal license. The qualities that people love in these books get a fair hearing in this chapter as Don Quijote describes how readers are "...delighted...astonished...." (pg. 339) and cheered by these tales.

Don Quijote presents an eloquent and convincing and sincere argument in defense of these books until he states how his character is much improved since reading these books.

He speaks of his promise of making Sancho a governor and expresses misgivings over Sancho's ability to handle this responsibility. Sancho overhears and says it will be no problem as he will just hire someone to look after the day to day affairs like collecting the rents and whatnot. The cathedral priest points out that he would also have to administer justice and make rulings. Sancho's final ruling on this is that when he is made a count, he will know how to act like a count. Don Quijote says he will make him one just as Amadís of Gaul did for his faithful squire.

As they eat, a shepherd named Eugenio (who is after his wayward female goat) approaches the picnickers, while talking to his goat. He asks her if some wolves had frightened her away; but, he then decides her flight solely was due to her fickle female nature. The cathedral priest invites the goatherd to join them and comments that since the goat is a female she can't control her natural instincts. The goatherd then offers to tell a true tale that will illustrate the true nature of women.

Topic Tracking: Idealized Women 20