Don Quixote Chapters 36-45

In Chapter 37 it says, “Don Quixote was developing his arguments in such an orderly and lucid way that for the time being none of those listening to him could believe that he was a madman.” This part of the story is very important because for the first time Don Quixote is not seen as crazy. He realized that people see him as mad so he refrained from telling Dorotea that he slayed a giant. While talking with her, however, she told him that she was a princess. This made Don Quixote appear sane, but he became mad at Sancho for lying to him. In his speech he compares the hardships of scholars with those of “man of arms,” or militia men or warriors. He is aware that people do not believe him and think he is mad so he keeps his “madness” under control.

Zoraida is different from other females in the text in the since she is a Moor not bound by the same rules. She still does not have the freedom as far as being controlled by male figures, but she practices many religions. She appears to be a Muslim, but she acts like a Christian and wants to be baptized as one. She does not speak throughout her part in the story which could represent the lack of power she has being a female. Religion could be one aspect that she could actually control of her life. She actually makes the move to escape from her father by having the captive actually coming and taking her. The men in the story make themselves mad over the women. Religion back then and now is often looked at as an important aspect of considering a partner. Certain religions cannot marry outside of theirs. Perhaps if Zoraida did not want to become a Christian things would have been different for her.