Lifting up his hand to her, he said, Here, madam, take the hand, or rather, as I may say, the executioner of all earthy miscreants-take, I say, that hand which never woman touched before; no, not even she herself who has entire possession of my whole body; nor do I hold it up to you that you may kiss it, but that you may observe the contexture of the sinews, the ligament of the muscles, and the largeness and dilation of the veins; whence you may conclude how strong that arm must be to which such a hand is joined.
The quote from "Don Quixote" reflects the protagonist's grandiose and theatrical expression of his identity. He offers his hand to a woman, emphasizing its uniqueness and strength, contrasting the physical and emotional bonds he has with others. This act is not merely an invitation for a kiss but a demonstration of the power and capability embodied in his hand, suggesting a certain pride in his own physicality. It showcases his flirtation with heroism and the dramatic flair that characterizes his personality.
Moreover, this passage encapsulates the core themes of the novel, including the exploration of idealism versus reality. Through his exaggerated self-description, Don Quixote reveals his desire to be seen as a noble figure in a world that often appears mundane and unheroic. His language invokes a sense of spectacle, inviting the reader to question the deeper meanings of strength, honor, and the nature of his delusions in the face of societal expectations.
