How does this challenge transfrom Dahlmann’s perception of himself?

Early in the story, Dahlmann acquires a copy of “The Thousand and One Nights,” and he uses it to anchor himself to the world of fantasy when his reality becomes overwhelming. For example, when Dahlmann injures his head, he spends the following days with a fever, but he persists with reading his book. Another example is when the country louts throw breadcrumbs at Dahlmann in the third section of the story. In an attempt to avoid conflict, Dahlmann immerses himself into the book. However, early in the story, Dahlmann’s reliance on the book proves to increase his misfortune. On page 167, when Dahlmann receives the book for the first time, he rushes up the stairs of his apartment complex because he is so eager to read it. This eagerness causes Dahlmann to suffer the head injury that causes him so much suffering later in the story.

Dahlmann is a staunch patriot, and he is dedicated to upholding his family name whenever possible. For example, when Dahlmann returns from the sanitarium on page 169, he is overcome with euphoria upon recognition of the city’s landmarks. However, throughout the story, Dahlmann upholds this attitude to a fault. When the country louts challenge Dahlmann to a knife fight, Dahlmann does not get a chance to refuse, because the “gaucho” (174) that represents Dahlmann’s homeland throws him a knife. Dahlmann’s wordless acceptance of the gaucho’s encouragement shows that Dahlmann is so devoted to his heritage that he is willing to risk his life for the sake of pleasing someone who encapsulates his heritage’s essence.