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I post on Monday with an occasional random blog thrown in for good measure. I do my best to answer all comments via email and visit around on the days I post.

Thursday, April 19, 2012

Q is for Don Quixote



For this, my third year doing the challenge, I am going literary. For every letter of the alphabet I will talk about a book, an author or a character from fiction or myth that made an impression, was inspirational, or caused me to think.

I suspect I first became aware of Don Quixote when, as a kid, I visited Puerto Rico. Because of its strong Spanish history (Ponce de Leon was the first governor of the newly colonized island) Don Quixote is a prominent figure. His likeness can found all over the place. But it wasn't until high school that I read the book.

Historically Cervantes' story, published in two volumes in 1605 and 1615, is considered one of the first novels ever written and is a corner stone for Western literature.

Quixote's desire to right wrong speaks so loudly to the heart that it is no wonder he has gone down in history as one of the greatest literary characters of all time.

This is a picture from a book published in 1848.

Quijote-2


































Even I long to have the heart and strength of Quixote, to be able to see within the hearts of all, people their true natures, to believe in their purity.

Alas... I fall short.

He is, to me, the patron saint of all humanity. May we all be brave enough to tilt at windmills, to challenge what is wrong, and to never give up.

Have you read Don Quixote? Is there is part of you that identifies with him?








This is a sketch by Pablo Picasso done in 1955.
























And this is a Lladro figurine my sister gave to my husband for Christmas.








Q is for Don Quixote  Other Q influences? None that I can think of.

21 comments:

  1. When I was a kid, my parents were big on Broadway musicals and had a bunch of them on 8-trak. On Sunday mornings my father would plug Don Quixote into the stereo and put the speakers on the stairs to wake us up. There's nothing in the world like waking up to Dream the Impossible Dream.

    I know it's not the same as reading it, but in high school I did get a chance to work on the production of the play. We ran the show for two weeks and I cried every night. Love that story.

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  2. I read Quixote almost two decades ago. Today is a strong indicator that I need to read it again.

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  3. A perfect "Q." Geez, it's been a long time and I've forgotten so much. I often wish I had another lifetime just to re-read history and all the classics. I know I do have to endure many more lives but then you start all over with the amnesiac mask on.

    You were lucky to grow up on an island and have the privilege to visit other interesting islands. You were just a gorgeous island gal, replete in native sarong. OOOhh-la-la Mah Bish LaBelle

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  4. I knew it! I am trying to figure out what you are going to feature with each letter. I knew that it would be Don Quixote. That figurine is totally awesome, Bish! I read this book every so often. Love it! But I want a figurine. *sigh*

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  5. What a great choice. I must reread this again.

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  6. I love the Don. I love his completely idealistic concept of life.

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  7. I have read it and found it too long and boring

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  8. Quixote and his sidekick are wonderful characters. I haven't read this in--can't remember! So it's been a loooong time . . . sometime after 1848 though. They are definitely memorable because they're icons for perseverance, faith and loyalty--maybe a touch of the idealist's madness.

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  9. i love quixote--my daughter's dance academy did their recital around the musical

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  10. I still can't believe I haven't read this book yet. I'm such a slacker - great character choice!

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  11. I always loved the character Don Quixote. I wrote about him in college for a paper. He was a fascinating character.

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  12. I read Don Quixote in my high school Spanish class. I really enjoyed it! I should give it a re-read because I don't remember a lot of it. But who can forget the windmill scene? It's classic!

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  13. We read this in high school -- I don't remember caring for it, but then I disliked assignments for school because I was busy reading other stuff (not on the curriculum). I am looking forward to (re)-reading many of these books with my children when they are of high school age.

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  14. I confess I have not read Don Q. I must remedy that this year. I love your Lladro!

    Cheers. May we all strive to be pure of heart and intention.

    Peace!
    Corinne

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  15. I haven't read it. Clearly I should. Nothing better than a man who rights wrongs!

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  16. I remember reading a shortened version for kids. I thought it was a charming story. I'd like to read the full book.

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  17. Hi Bish .. I think I need to read the children's version - or a summary, otherwise I don't think I'd get through it .. so like Alex - I haven't but I should ..

    Cheers Hilary

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  18. I also posted for Q about Don Quixote and the word 'Quixotic.' I love that story, and though I have the book, I know the story mostly from the musical. I find his story so poignant in that he doesn't realize how impossible his dream really is, to borrow from the song. He is determined to 'fight for the right.' How can you argue with that?

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  19. I used to sing songs from the Musical Don Quixote at the top of my lungs as a teenager. I absolutely loved the music.

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Your Random Thoughts are most welcome!