La imitación en los capítulos XXIII hasta XXXI de la primera parte del ‘Quijote’

Abstract

This work seeks to highlight the importance of imitation as a literary theory and it manifests the vital contribution of such within the chapters XXIII to XXXI of the first part of the 'Quijote'. Basically, this is carried out by analysing thoroughly the imitation employed by the protagonists in relation to epic heroes. The protagonists are analysed meticulously, focusing mainly on their roles and the actions they perform in the mountainous environment of the 'sierra'. This task brings about a link to forthcoming outcomes and relates them to other literary sources, which might have had an influence during the adventures of these protagonists. Consequently, a very detailed study of the chivalric books was carried out. Emphasis is made on the laberyintic place of Sierra Morena, as it is the place where adventures both by Don Quijote as well as by other secondary protagonists take place. The loving penance of don Quijote is the principal theme that characterises our chapters, hence this theme is given paramount attention. It is concluded that Don Quijote follows the journey of Amadis in order to execute the loving penance, however, the reason for which they offer their loving penance differs from one another. This reveals how Don Quijote resolves his obstacles during his adventure so that he resembles as much as possible to Amadis. Moreover, it is concluded that there are other literary influences that refer to other heroes, which manifest themselves both through the character of Don Quijote and also of other protagonists of these chapters.