Don Quixote, Part 2, Chapter 42 summary

What happens

1. The duke and duchess continue their jokes, and the duke tells Sancho to prepare for his governorship.
2. Sancho says his view from the sky weakens his ambition, but he accepts the island to experience governing.
3. The duke promises suitable clothes, while Sancho admits he cannot even read the alphabet.
4. Don Quixote takes Sancho into his room and urges gratitude, fear of God, and knowledge of himself.
5. He advises pride in humble origins, kindness toward relatives, and care against corruption through marriage.
6. He urges impartial judgment and mercy, then announces a shift from spiritual advice to bodily advice.

In this chapter

What to notice

The advice distinguishes humane judgment from corruption. It summarizes the moral responsibility Don Quixote attaches to Sancho's new authority.

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