Don Quixote Study Guide

Cervantes introduces his book, calling it the "child of his brain," but later on referring to it as his stepchild instead. He calls on a friend for help when he finds himself stymied by the writing of the prologue, and the friend laughs that he is having such trouble over something so small and inconsequential compared to the massive volume. The friend advises he should include "sonnets, epigrams, and eulogies," as well as many impressive notes at the end of the book. He also advises to insert quotes from authors according to a book that lists them A to Z. Cervantes notes his luck in this conversation, for now he has fodder for his prologue. (read more)