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Don Quixote, Chapter 43 summary

Chapter 43 of 129 · Part 1 · 15 min to read the chapter

In Chapter 43, Clara tells Dorotea that the apparent mule driver is a wealthy gentleman’s son who follows her out of love, and Dorotea offers help. Meanwhile, Maritornes and the innkeeper’s daughter tie Don Quixote to a door bolt, and arriving travelers indirectly cause him to slip from his horse and hang painfully by one arm.

What happens

  1. Dorotea wakes Clara to hear a singer, but his voice makes Clara tremble and weep.
  2. Clara explains that the singer disguises himself to follow her, and she fears their fathers’ response to their love.
  3. Dorotea promises to help Clara, and the women settle down for the remaining night.
  4. Maritornes and the innkeeper’s daughter lure Don Quixote toward the hayloft opening and fasten his wrist to a door bolt.
  5. Don Quixote stands trapped on Rocinante, believes himself enchanted, and argues with four travelers arriving at dawn.
  6. Rocinante moves to sniff another horse, leaving Don Quixote hanging painfully with his toes barely reaching the ground.

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In this chapter

Don QuixoteDorotea

What to notice

Clara sets a firm limit on her love. Her attachment to the singer does not remove her concern for parental authority.

Quick check

What causes Don Quixote to slip from Rocinante’s saddle?

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