This epic work of chivalry, set in sixteenth-century
Spain, is a representation of idealism and its clash with reality.
Don Quixote emphasizes humanism and the glory of the endeavors of the human soul through the activities of an elderly knight with a mission.
Lessons are designed to be open-ended, allowing for multiple approaches to teaching. Students may be assigned to read the entire book, chapters may be assigned to individual students so that the whole class will have read the entire novel, or only the most frequently discussed chapters may be assigned.
Students study character development, recognize autobiographical influences, analyze contrasts between characters, and examine the changing point of view. They also develop research skills, respond to critical commentary, and practice persuasive speaking. One lesson connects the novel with the Man of La Mancha musical adaptation.
Supplementary materials include review/essay questions.
