A Book Ahead of Its Time: Don Quixote

The novel Don Quixote has been called the first modern novel and the
first bestseller when it was published in 1605. It was translated into
60 different languages and was even followed by a sequel 10 years
later (partially because another writer had written an unauthorized
sequel).
Chapter One
1. Why does Quesada change his name to Don Quixote?
2. What were the suit of armour and the horse for?
3. Who was Aldonza Lorenzo going to become for Don Quixote? State her role and
her new name.
4. Describe what happened while Don Quixote's was at the local inn. Who did he
think the innkeeper was? What did he ask the innkeeper to do? Why was that so
important to Don Quixote?
5. What evidence did the people at the inn have that "there was some nut in the
yard?
Chapter Two
1. This chapter begins his first adventure as a knight. How
successful is he with his first intervention, helping the young
shepherd?
2. Why does he stop the group of horsemen? What does he
want them to do? Why do you think he wants them to do
that?
3. What happens to Don Quixote as a result?
Chapter Three
1. With Don Quixote back at his house, what does his family think is to blame for his
being beaten so badly?
2. What is their solution for helping Don Quixote? Do you agree with their solution?
Do you think it will work?
3. When Don Quixote finds out what has happened to his books, how does he
respond? Who does he think is responsible?
4. Don Quixote decides to ride again. What are his reasons for doing so?
5. How does Don Quixote prepare himself better for his next adventure?
6. Who is Sancho Panza and what do you think his role with Don Quixote is going to
be?