Don Quixote, Chapter 12 summary

What happens

1. A young man announces Grisóstomo’s death and describes disagreement over his instructions for burial in the countryside.
2. The goatherds arrange to attend, while one with an injured foot offers to guard their goats.
3. Pedro describes Grisóstomo’s learning, wealth, poetry, and decision to become a shepherd in pursuit of Marcela.
4. Pedro recounts Marcela’s wealthy upbringing, her uncle’s respect for her consent, and her choice to tend sheep.
5. He describes her courteous but firm rejection of suitors and the complaints they spread across the countryside.
6. Don Quixote sleeps in Pedro’s hut thinking of Dulcinea, while Sancho sleeps beside their animals.

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What to notice

Pedro approves the uncle’s respect for Marcela’s choice. This contrasts with the suitors’ complaints that her refusal makes her cruel.

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