In Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote," Dulcinea del Toboso is a pivotal character, often idealized in the imagination of the protagonist, Don Quixote. She symbolizes the unattainable love and noble ideals that drive Quixote's misguided quests. The quote highlights the contrasting perceptions of Dulcinea, suggesting that while she may be celebrated in story, she possesses practical skills, such as being adept at saving pigs, which showcases a mundane reality against Quixote's lofty ideals.
This duality of Dulcinea's character illustrates the tension between fantasy and reality within the narrative. Quixote's reverence for her as an epitome of virtue and beauty is contrasted by the down-to-earth qualities of her life, emphasizing the absurdity of Quixote's chivalric pursuits. The quote encapsulates the essence of Quixote's delusions, where he elevates an ordinary woman to a mythical status, revealing both the humor and tragedy of his adventures.