Don Quixote · Chapter
Of the terrible bell and cat fright that Don Quixote got in the course of the enamoured Altisidora's wooing explained
Don Quixote, disturbed by Altisidora's advances, prepares for the day and encounters her feigning a swoon.
What happens
Don Quixote, disturbed by Altisidora's advances, prepares for the day and encounters her feigning a swoon. He requests a lute to serenade her, but the duke and duchess plot a trick. At night, they lower a cord with bells and release cats with small bells into his room, causing chaos. Don Quixote fights the cats, one of which latches onto his face. The duke rescues him, and Altisidora bandages his wounds, chiding him for his insensibility. Don Quixote is bedridden for five days.
Free preview opens on this chapter — companions, themes, and character notes appear beside the text.
Narrative arc
Story tension across the book — this chapter sits in Falling action.
- Setup
- Escalation
- Breaking point
- Aftermath
- Closing
In this chapter, Don Quixote reaches his emotional and psychological peak by delivering a coherent, pragmatic,…
Full beat labels and climax notes unlock in the reader.
Follow the arc while readingThemes in this chapter
- Reality vs. Illusion
Don Quixote interprets the cat attack as an enchantment, while the duke and duchess see it as a practical joke.
- Love and Worship
Altisidora's exaggerated wooing and Don Quixote's devotion to Dulcinea highlight contrasting forms of love.
- Chivalry and Idealism
Don Quixote's ballad and his defiant stance against 'enchanters' uphold his chivalric code despite the absurdity.
Characters to notice
- Don Quixote
Sings a ballad to Altisidora, fights cats in his room, and is wounded on the face.
- Altisidora
Pretends to faint to gain Don Quixote's attention, later bandages his wounds and scolds him.
- The Duke
Plots the cat-and-bell trick with the duchess and rescues Don Quixote from the cat.
- The Duchess
Collaborates with the duke on the trick and is grieved by its outcome.
- Sancho Panza
Mentioned as proceeding with diligence in his government, but not present in the chapter.
Key passages
“Mighty Love the hearts of maidens Doth unsettle and perplex, And the instrument he uses Most of all is idleness.”
Love disturbs young women, and idleness is its main tool.
Don Quixote's ballad warns against the dangers of idle love.
“Avaunt, malignant enchanters! avaunt, ye witchcraft-working rabble! I am Don Quixote of La Mancha, against whom your evil machinations avail not nor have any power.”
Begone, evil enchanters! I am Don Quixote, and your tricks cannot harm me.
Don Quixote's response to the cat attack, interpreting it as an enchantment.
