Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra – Author and Soldier

Another story that shaped my world view was that of Alonso Quijano, that fictional Manchagan mad man who would become Don Quixote: 

“Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra takes out a makeup kit from his trunk, and the manservant helps him get into a costume. In a few short moments, Cervantes has transformed himself into Alonso Quijano, an old gentleman who has read so many books of chivalry and thought so much about injustice that he has lost his mind and now believes that he should go forth as a knight-errant.  Quijano renames himself Don Quixote de La Mancha, and sets out to find adventures with his ‘squire’, Sancho Panza.”

 First published in 1607 many regard Cervantes’ book as the greatest Spanish language novel of all time.  And what a tale it is; Aldonza becomes Dulcinea (the treasured one), the barber’s shaving basin becomes the Golden Helmet of Mambrino, windmills become dragons and wandering bands of priests become evil protagonists.  What lunacy was this?  As Don Quixote, mounted on his horse, Rocinante (once was a noble steed), and Sancho on his donkey traveled the countryside on the Quest and in search of adventure.  But always in fear of their mortal enemy:  The Enchanter.

 The Broadway soundtrack by Mitch Leigh is inspirational, at least for me anyway.  Sure the Hollywood version is bit corny.  But corny is OK for an escape into the the hero archetype.  If fact, speaking of archetypes, Man of La Mancha has a good dose of them.  Sancho as Jester, the Enchanter as Magus, Aldonza as Hetaria and many more.

Just why it tapped into my soul is a mystery.  Perhaps I dreamed of becoming a Night Errant.  At least that’s what my first therapist, the late, great Pam Hamilton (a Kleinian Analyst) postulated.  It stirs deeply and the Impossible Dream still calls.