Don Quixote, Part 2, Chapter 40 summary

What happens

1. The narrator praises Cide Hamete’s attention to detail before Sancho condemns the punishment that gives the ladies beards.
2. Don Quixote promises help, and Trifaldi describes Clavileño, the wooden horse Malambruno can send to carry them to Candaya.
3. Sancho asks about the horse’s capacity and controls, then refuses to ride its hard wooden back.
4. Sancho complains that squires do the work without receiving credit, and the duchess challenges his hostility toward ladies-in-waiting.
5. Doña Rodríguez defends her fellows, and Don Quixote insists that Sancho obey him.
6. Trifaldi’s lament brings tears to the company and moves Sancho to decide privately to accompany his master.

In this chapter

What to notice

The question expresses Sancho’s resistance to danger and unpaid recognition. His final private resolve contrasts with this outspoken refusal.

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