Letteratura - Videolezione su Cervantes, Don Chisciotte - Parte 2 di 2

Summary

The video discusses the evolution of Cervantes' Don Quixote, focusing on the transition between the first book (1605) and the second (1615). Cervantes responds to unauthorized sequels by making Don Quixote aware of his existence as a character in a book, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. This concept is seen as an early form of literary modernity, influencing authors like Jorge Luis Borges, who explored similar meta-narratives. Don Quixote is presented as both a character and a cultural icon, embedded in tradition and deeply connected to literature's self-reflective nature, paving the way for postmodernism.

Takeaways

• 📚 Cervantes had the grand idea of creating a second part of *Don Quixote* in 1615, ten years after the first part was published in 1605.
• 📝 The second part of *Don Quixote* was written in response to fake versions of the story that emerged after the original publication.
• 🤯 In the second part, Don Quixote becomes aware of himself as a character in a book, adding a meta-narrative layer to the story.
• 🔍 The book itself becomes a character, alongside Don Quixote and Sancho Panza, representing the interplay between fiction and reality.
• 📖 This self-referential concept marked the entry of *Don Quixote* into modernity, influencing many future writers and thinkers.
• ✍️ Jorge Luis Borges, for example, wrote *Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote*, where the protagonist attempts to recreate Cervantes’ work exactly, emphasizing the postmodern preoccupation with texts within texts.
• 🎥 Orson Welles referenced *Don Quixote* in his films, introducing the character into modern settings as someone already deeply known to everyone, representing a part of cultural tradition.
• 📚 The idea of books talking about books has become a prominent feature in postmodern literature, where narratives become intertwined with other narratives.
• 🌍 Cervantes' work stands as a bridge between traditional storytelling and modernity, influencing both literature and popular culture.
• 🧠 The complexity and depth of *Don Quixote* lie in its exploration of reality, illusion, and the power of literature to shape perception and history.

Q & A

What was Cervantes' motivation for writing a second part of *Don Quixote*?

Cervantes wrote the second part of *Don Quixote* in 1615 to respond to falsifications of his character after the publication of the first part in 1605. He wanted to reclaim the narrative and evolve the character of Don Quixote in a new direction.

How does *Don Quixote* change between the first and second parts of the novel?

Between the first and second parts, Don Quixote becomes aware of his role as a character in a book. He transforms into a 'reader' of the story in which he is the protagonist, creating a complex interplay between fiction and reality.

What role does the concept of modernity play in *Don Quixote*?

Cervantes' work introduces modernity by making the book itself a character in the story, along with Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. This self-referential, meta-literary aspect is a significant step toward modern literary techniques.

How did Jorge Luis Borges relate to *Don Quixote*?

Jorge Luis Borges explored the themes of *Don Quixote* in his story 'Pierre Menard, Author of the Quixote.' He imagined an author who doesn’t want to rewrite *Don Quixote* but instead aims to recreate the original pages, reflecting on the nature of authorship and originality.

Why is *Don Quixote* considered a precursor to postmodern literature?

*Don Quixote* is considered a precursor to postmodern literature due to its self-awareness and meta-narrative elements. The novel explores the idea of a book about a book, setting a foundation for later literary works that play with these themes.

How did Orson Welles incorporate *Don Quixote* in his films?

Orson Welles introduced Don Quixote into his films as a figure already known to audiences, symbolizing a character ingrained in tradition and cultural memory, mirroring the way the novel refers to itself and its legacy.

Who are the main characters of *Don Quixote*, and what is the 'third character' introduced in the second part?

The main characters of *Don Quixote* are Don Quixote himself and Sancho Panza. The 'third character' introduced in the second part is the book itself, which narrates their adventures and becomes central to the novel’s meta-narrative.

What was the significance of Pierre Menard in Borges' *Ficciones*?

Pierre Menard, in Borges' *Ficciones*, is an author who seeks to write *Don Quixote* from scratch, not as a copy but as an identical reproduction of Cervantes' original, exploring the fluidity of meaning and context in literature.

How does *Don Quixote* address the relationship between reality and fiction?

*Don Quixote* blurs the lines between reality and fiction by making its protagonist aware of his fictional existence. This self-referential structure invites readers to question the nature of truth and fiction in storytelling.

How has *Don Quixote* influenced modern storytelling techniques?

The novel's use of self-referentiality, meta-narratives, and its focus on the relationship between characters and the story they inhabit has profoundly influenced modern storytelling, especially in works that challenge the boundaries of fiction and reality.