The ‘Year That Was’ Keeps Opening Doors

In literary circles, many regard Don Quixote as the first significant novel ever written, encapsulating the theme of novelty. Our tall, lanky, somewhat deranged hero, a knight with fading glory, roams the landscapes of Spain, often mistaking reality for the tales he has read about gallant knights and noble quests. He perceives prostitutes as princesses and flocks of sheep as invading armies, reflecting his skewed view developed through countless heroic narratives. What stands out is Quixote's fervent desire to impose his black-and-white sense of justice on a world increasingly unraveling under powerful forces. His imaginative spirit shines brightly in an age that seems to have lost its wonder.

As he journeys alongside his more realistic companion, Sancho Panza, Quixote sometimes aids those he meets, though his endeavors frequently end in calamity. One of the most memorable episodes involves his infamous attack on a windmill, which he believes to be a fearsome dragon, resulting in a comical mishap that leaves him defeated. The chapter titles alone, such as “Chapter XVII: In which a further account is given of the countless hardships that the brave Don Quixote and his good squire Sancho Panza underwent at the inn that, unfortunately for him, he mistook for a castle,” invite laughter and reflection. Readers find themselves pondering whether Quixote's eccentricity is genuine madness or if he is simply a good man confronting a cruel world. His relentless pursuit of authenticity is what captivates this reader. Eventually, we all have the chance to lead our own genuine lives, facing the challenges that our past and society hurl at us, often in solitude.

Miguel de Cervantes completed the first part of “Don Quixote” in 1605, followed by the second part in 1615. The 1600s in Spain was a tumultuous period marked by poverty, warfare, oppressive religious institutions, and rigid political regimes, with the establishment of asylums for the mentally ill being particularly notable. Essentially, Quixote ventured out of his home just before he would have been taken away to one of those institutions.

The novel also explores the historical tension between Muslims and Catholics, chronicling the latter's victories that forced the former southward, culminating in the expulsion of the Moors in 1492. Notably, Jews faced similar fates, either exiled or compelled to convert to Catholicism.

As Quixote meets various individuals—goatherds, nobility, and townsfolk—he often shifts from being viewed as mad to being recognized as a visionary striving for a more equitable and creative existence. This invites readers to reflect on their own lives and societal structures.

2021: Overwhelmed

The year 2021 was marked by the pandemic's chaos, confusion, and suffering, prompting me to fulfill a long-held dream of living in the very land that inspired my favorite book. I seized the lockdown as an opportunity to break free from the confines of my surroundings and immerse myself in Spain.

Though some deemed my decision reckless, I donned two masks and boarded the plane, feeling an urgent need for a change of scenery.

The phrase “one door closes and another opens” comes from Quixote, after all.

To reside in Europe during the pandemic required employment. Unsure of my Spanish proficiency for a bookstore role, I opted to teach English at a high school near Madrid for seven months.

My desire to visit Spain stemmed from the realization that Quixote—an absurd yet groundbreaking narrative, filled with humor and adventure—could emerge from such a challenging historical backdrop and from an author who led a similarly arduous life.

Following the Trail of the Author

Cervantes' life was fraught with peril; he served as a soldier, lost the use of his left arm in battle, and endured five years as a prisoner of war. He was also a tax collector and a debtor who spent time in prison, tragically passing away in poverty.

While Quixote's influence permeates Spain, the majority of the narrative unfolds in the flat, largely treeless region of Castile-La Mancha, located just south of Madrid. This landscape inspired Cervantes' celebrated work, a tribute to the power of imagination amid mundane surroundings.

During my time in Córdoba, I had the privilege of visiting the very inn-tavern where Cervantes often stopped while working as a tax collector in Seville. Despite the uninspiring backdrop of his job, Cervantes found inspiration in the ordinary, creating a tribute to possibilities born from the mundane.

Close to where I resided, Alcalá de Henares—Cervantes' birthplace—features statues of the iconic knight and his loyal sidekick, Sancho Panza, sitting side by side on a bench outside the museum.

Quixote is tall, lean, and dreamy, while Sancho is short, round, and practical—representing the duality within us all: the dreamer and the realist. Quixote steers the vehicle, while Sancho ensures it is parked securely before disembarking.

A Pandemic That Divides

In 2021, COVID transformed millions into introverts, revealing untapped treasures within our minds. Even pain, when processed, can yield relief and insight. Like Don Quixote, who disregards societal judgment in favor of mental freedom, we too can embrace our inner landscapes.

People will shake their heads at you, just like they did at The Don, then go back to their own stifling routines. Quixote wasn’t having it.

I recognized that profound emotions were surfacing, requiring expression. Acknowledging past regrets and allowing myself to feel pain would enable healing and foster self-compassion. The key was to accept my experiences, ground myself, and free myself from the opinions of others.

I had faith in the direction my journey was taking me. Travel, ironically, reminded me that I couldn't escape my issues. Spain gifted me clarity; Cervantes became my emotional mentor. Quixote, with his whimsical wanderings, served as my guide.

Quixote's journey illustrated the importance of movement in crafting a more authentic self. In unfamiliar surroundings, everything appears novel and captivating. You begin to recognize the privileges and deprivations of your life. Journaling has always been a part of my routine, and I sought therapy to help navigate my thoughts. My time in Spain sparked some of my most profound writing and therapeutic breakthroughs, as I encountered diverse perspectives on life.

Quixote On the Move

Quixote ventured into the world to validate his vibrant imagination, filled with tales of noble figures championing justice. The stark reality he faced did not deter him.

He was resolute in his aspirations, focusing on what he desired rather than on opposition. His adventures, while often leading to humorous failures, stemmed from a profound wish to see both himself and the world in a better light.

Despite the humor and discomfort in Quixote's escapades, I too faced ruts in my own life. It is far too easy to tread familiar mental paths instead of forging new ones. However, I could wince, laugh, and still pursue what I desired. After all, people will always find fault with your plans, but you must follow your heart as it builds resilience.

Your unique contributions will enrich the world. Regardless of the outcome, you’ll gain valuable insights. Remember, perfection is an illusion; embracing authenticity leads to a wealth of adventures.

Kimberley Silverthorne invites us to celebrate the Quixote festival in October and shares a delightful summary of the author, the novel, and its global impact: