Ser caballero andante en tan detestable edad: antiguos y modernos en la autoconstrucción caballeresca de don Quijote

Abstract

This study intends to demonstrate how the dispute between the Classic and Modem thought is constituted in a crucial aspect in the self-construction and deconstruction of Don Quixote's identity, whom in order to attain his goals, embarks on a process of imitation to go beyond his models in order to branch off in challenge of them in tension with their flattery, as well as in his own self-flattery based on his chivalrous attributes. After analyzing the unfavorable circumstances of his century for the exercise of arms, in addition to those derived from their errors in the imitative process and from their own particular deficiencies, the insurmountable divergences between his emulator speech and the reality, lead him to a fictitious inner defeat. This will only be apparent, when obtaining the greater victory - self-defeat - after freeing themselves of imitiatio and later in his death, he will surpass his previous models. He will authenticate his final victory by attaining his objectives of fame and glory after his death, by his contributions in maintaining the humanistic flame alive and by having found the perfect historian who will tell his story to later generations.