The Theme of Social Classes in Don Quixote

The Theme of Social Classes in Don Quixote

In the earlier periods of Spain’s civilization, individuals were identifiable by their social classes. Individuals who came from noble families got accorded much respect since they were rich. In the novel of Don Quixote, the theme of social classes is apparent because, on more than one occasion, people loving one another got separated due to their social classes’ differences. Still, the author plays with the theme of social classes as he seems to allude that a person’s personality matters, but on other occasions, he is okay with the idea that the relationship between people of different social classes is only correct if it is not in widespread.

The author’s main idea in the book is the notion that people from nobles seemed to gain more respect despite having less input in society. It was a general idea that a person’s social class determined the level of respect or his self-worth that he should get accorded. The author seemed to be against the idea that the aristocrats got naturally respected because of their class. Even though peasants did not get respect, some of them, such as Sancho, were wise and intelligent. This intelligence was the same case with herders who often seemed to be wise men, while the nobles are usually portrayed as unkind people with no heart.

In the novel Don Quixote, it is clear that wealth does not in any way mean an individual is right. This clearly shows the differences in the two social classes as well as the differences in their personality and character. It is therefore apparent that in the author’s time, respect was only accorded according to one’s class