Don Quixote, Chapter 71 summary
Chapter 71 of 129 · Part 1 · 9 min to read the chapter
In Chapter 71, Don Quixote offers Sancho money to whip himself for Dulcinea’s release, but Sancho secretly strikes trees after finding the real blows too painful. Don Quixote stops the punishment out of concern for him, and their journey continues to an inn, where paintings prompt talk about heroic deeds and poor storytelling.
What happens
- Sancho complains that Altisidora gives him no promised shirts, and Don Quixote offers payment for the lashes meant to free Dulcinea.
- Sancho prices the remaining lashes at eight hundred and twenty-five reals, and Don Quixote adds another hundred.
- At night, Sancho starts whipping himself, demands double payment, and then secretly switches to striking trees.
- Don Quixote fears Sancho might die, stops the punishment, and covers him with his cloak.
- They reach an inn, where paintings of Helen and Dido prompt discussion of heroic intervention and badly told stories.
- Don Quixote postpones further lashes until their village, then reproves Sancho for his stream of proverbs.
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In this chapter
What to notice
Don Quixote’s concern for Sancho outweighs his impatience to restore Dulcinea. The decision stops the supposed punishment, though he does not discover the trick.
Quick check
What does Sancho do after Don Quixote doubles the payment per lash?
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