I want you, Sancho, to think well and to have a good opinion of plays, and to be equally well-disposed toward those who perform them and those who write them, because they are all the instruments whereby a great service is performed for the nation, holding up a mirror to every step we take and allowing us to see a vivid image of the actions of human life; there is no comparison that indicates what we are and what we should be more clearly than plays and players.
In Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote," a key message is conveyed regarding the importance of theatre and its creators. Sancho is encouraged to appreciate plays and their practitioners for the valuable role they play in society. These artists are seen as pivotal figures who reflect the human experience, making visible the follies and virtues of people's actions through the mirror of performance.
Cervantes underscores that theatre serves as a vital tool for self-reflection and moral understanding. By presenting a vivid portrayal of life, plays not only entertain but also enlighten audiences. This observation emphasizes the significance of the arts in shaping societal values and encouraging individuals to aspire towards better versions of themselves.
