Don Quixote 3/21/10

Don Quixote character is the exact opposite of Yossarian's in Catch 22. While Quixote continuously humiliates himself and loses at whatever contests he choses to enter, Yossarian proves to be a subtle person. Yossarian is considered a hero by many soldiers in his unit for returning to bomb a heavily guarded bridge a second time and he is praised for refusing to fly any more missions. Quixote, however embarrasses himself but still considers himself a hero. Quixote believes he should enter in a "solemn tournament on the festival of St. George" for it may "raise his reputation above that of all the champions upon earth" (465). While the reader must show no respect towards Quixote and his ridiculous ideas, the reader must respect Yossarian for trying to save himself after proving himself to be a courageous figure. Yossarian never describes himself as a hero or a noble person for he wants simply to not fly any more missions. Quixote is claimed to be an idiot by many other characters but he still seems determined in his belief that he is a valiant knight. Quixote will never become a noble person or a courageous one because his personality prevents him from caring. He cares more about what others think of him than what he thinks of himself. Yossarian thinks only of himself and wants to survive the war. That is the only reason he does what he does and that is why the other pilots look up to him. They sympathize with him and so does the reader. No one can sympathize with Don Quixote though as no sane man would ever sell land for books or attack a windmill. His character is too comedic to be similar to any reader but Yossarian is apparently the only sane man in his story making him the only character similar to the reader. Yossarian is a noble and courageous person while Quixote is a selfish and insane annoyance. They are complete opposites.

Don Quixote 3/7/10

Miguel de Cervantes proved himself to be a great comedian and master of irony. He wrote the story at the time in order for the irony to be easily absorbed. First, he depicts Don Quixote as a poor man seeking adventure in order for him to gain recognition. He was given a poor farm and small piece of land to live on. The real irony however is that he continuously makes himself poorer because he likes to buy books about chivalry. Although now the idea does not seem that ridiculous, it was seen as ludicrous back in the 1600's. To sell one's land for books seemed like the most idiotic decision possible. Still, that is only the beginning. Don Quixote seeks to live out his life as a knight of chivalry, even when the use of knights is almost gone. Too add more comedy, Don Quixote (a very skinny and tall man) has a short and pudhy sidekick named Pancho. Don Quixote is simply insane. He later believes a group of people to be unjustly accused prisoners and tries to "free" them. Instead, he ends up harassing a group of people that were just out on a walk. Don Quixote is an insane man who is the essence of idiodicy.