Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote, Part 2 Miguel de Cervantes

Alonso Quixano is a minor landowner who has read so many stories of chivalry that he descends into fantasy and becomes convinced he is a knight errant. Together with his companion Sancho Panza, the self-styled Don Quixote de la Mancha sets out in search of adventures. His 'lady' is Dulcinea del Toboso, an imaginary object of his courtly love crafted from a neighbouring farmgirl by the illusion-struck 'knight'. This sequel to was published ten years after the original novel and while part one was mostly farcical, this second half is more serious and philosophical about the theme of deception. It explores the concept of a character understanding that he is written about, an idea much explored in the 20th century.