Don Quixote, Part 2, Chapter 10 summary
Part 2, Chapter 10 of 129 · Part 1 · 14 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 10, Sancho Panza avoids searching Toboso by presenting a passing peasant woman as Dulcinea, persuading Don Quixote that enchantment disguises her beauty. Although Don Quixote correctly sees ordinary women and donkeys, he accepts Sancho’s false account, and they continue toward Zaragoza with his belief in hostile magic strengthened.
What happens
- Don Quixote waits in a grove and sends Sancho to request Dulcinea’s permission to visit her.
- Sancho stops outside the grove, considers the risks of searching, and decides to pass off a peasant woman as Dulcinea.
- After waiting until evening, Sancho spots three women riding donkeys and announces that Dulcinea approaches with two attendants.
- Don Quixote sees only farm women, but Sancho insists they are noble ladies, and both men kneel before them.
- The women demand passage; the supposed Dulcinea falls from her donkey, remounts nimbly, and rides away with her companions.
- Don Quixote blames enchanters for Dulcinea’s appearance and smell, while Sancho conceals his laughter before they resume their journey toward Zaragoza.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Don Quixote perceives the scene correctly. The deception succeeds because he accepts a magical explanation rather than rejecting Sancho’s claims.
Quick check
Why does Sancho wait until evening before returning to Don Quixote?
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