In "Don Quixote," Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra explores the complexities of heritage and social standing. He highlights how people often confuse different lineages, making it difficult to discern true nobility. This ambiguity contributes to a deeper understanding of how virtues like generosity and wealth can mask the essence of a person's character.

Cervantes suggests that the outward displays of wealth and virtue might lead to misconceptions about a person's lineage. The characters who appear great often do so through the cultivation of their fortunes and virtues, which can obscure the realities of their true ancestry. This confusion invites readers to reflect on the true meaning of nobility and the nature of one's worth.