Reading 1001 discussion

I am not reading the book but would like to see some action over here so I will set up some reading schedule.

First 1/3

1. Don Quixote is often called the first modern novel. Do you agree? Why or why not?

I do not know the exact academic reasons it is considered the first modern novel, but I have just read one of the “picturesque” novels that pre-dated Cervantes, and I believe that Don Quixote could be seen as modern because it is a mash up. It has elements of the picturesque, i.e. the buffoon living in realistic contemporary times and it has the heroic classical structures. It has stories within stories and the characters all speak in various idioms reflecting their backgrounds. We, the reader, get to experience multiple worlds rather than one clearly superior world view. I think that this makes it modern.

Next question:
2). If your barber or hairdresser and a representative from your house of worship came into your house and burnt your books, what would you do?
I had quite a few images come to mind from those opening scenes....

Gail wrote: "I do not know the exact academic reasons it is considered the first modern novel, but I have just read one of the “picturesque” novels that pre-dated Cervantes, and I believe that Don Quixote could..."

I would be very upset to have my books burned by my hairdresser. Perhaps, I might understand the religious leader thinking it was okay but certainly not my hairdresser.

Hi sorry guys! We had an avalanche of work but I’ll do my best to catch up soon!

Dianne wrote: "Hi sorry guys! We had an avalanche of work but I’ll do my best to catch up soon!"
Not too worry, I stepped in and Gail has stepped in, so we are here to help.

Just wanted to check if anyone is reading this from start to finish for the first time. I’m thinking of starting mid/end next week.

Yes, I will begin today.

Pip wrote: "Yes, I will begin today."

Awesome!

Mark - glad you're rereading it!

Quite a few of the characters in the first third of the book have a tenuous grasp on reality. Some of them are under the internal punishments of love, some the societal punishments of love, some are naive, some are in a position of power and therefore can not see what the peasantry may be experiencing. So, although Don Quixote is an extreme example he is not the only one.

Unfortunately I’m not as free as I thought I’d be this month but I’m definitely getting back to this one by the end of the month.

I didn't get far in October, discovered I had a copy of the Grossman translation and found that much more enjoyable than the Rutherford version. I am determined to finish by year's end, but thought I should check the discussion questions en route, I am finding the characters' tenuous hold on reality surprisingly current. The way that Don Quixote twists reality to serve his obsession with archaic chivalry has a resonance in the current climate of seeing reality, news services in particular, through a lens which confirms a particular world view. And the burning of books has emotional overtones of dictatorial regimes. I don't have a religious adviser nor a hairdresser, but if ANYONE entered my home and burned my books, particularly if they were a relative like Don Quixote's niece, I would be apoplectic.

Gail wrote: "I do not know the exact academic reasons it is considered the first modern novel, but I have just read one of the “picturesque” novels that pre-dated Cervantes, and I believe that Don Quixote could..."

The first time I read this section I was so mad about those idiots burning all those books, I had to put the book aside for a bit. It was a relief when the landlord pushed back successfully later on when his books were being threatened with burning.