Don Quixote, Chapter 53 summary
Chapter 53 of 129 · Part 1 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 53, Sancho endures a staged invasion, falls while trying to move between tightly bound shields, and suffers trampling before the pranksters announce victory. At dawn, he rejects office despite promises of better treatment, chooses his former freedom, and leaves on his donkey with no financial gain.
What happens
- On his seventh night in office, Sancho hears alarms and faces people claiming that enemies have invaded.
- They bind him between shields and demand that he lead them; trying to move, he falls.
- The pranksters trample him and strike his shields before announcing victory; exhausted and frightened, he faints.
- At dawn, Sancho dresses, embraces his donkey, and declares that farming and freedom suit him better than government.
- He refuses the doctor's promises, says he can account directly to the Duke, and leaves with simple provisions.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Sancho contrasts familiar agricultural work with political authority. The comparison states his reason for rejecting office.
Quick check
What makes Sancho fall during the supposed invasion?
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