Don Quixote and Saint John of the Cross’s Spiritual Chivalry

Despite its ludic appearance, “The adventure Don Quixote had with a dead body” (part I, chapter XIX) is one of the most complex pieces Cervantes’ famous novel. In midst dark night, Manchegan knight errant confronts an otherwordly procession robed men carrying torches who transport “knight” on bier. attacks them to “avenge” mysterious man, discovering they were priests secretly taking body from Baeza Segovia. He wants see face relic body, but humbly turns his back, avoiding “close encounter”. Curiously enough, easy victory renders him sad. Cervantes alluding secret transfer St. John Cross’ Úbeda Segovia, claimed by devoted widow Doña Ana de Peñalosa. However, also establishing surprising dialogue John’s symbolic “dark night”, in which he fights as brave mystical knight. Concurrently, quoting books chivalry‘s funeral processions and curiosity occasional glance at body. Furthermore, we how extremely conversant novelist religious genre spiritual chivalry, strongly opposed loose fantasy chivalry. Unable look relic, authentic heavenly militia, seems silently acknowledge that there are higher chivalries than own will never reach. No wonder ends sad countenance, gaining new identity “Caballero la Triste Figura”.