Sancho, pure well raised, did not want to sit; But the Duchess told her to sit as governor and speak as a squire
In Miguel de Cervantes' "Don Quixote de la Mancha," Sancho Panza is portrayed as a humble and well-mannered individual. Despite his natural inclination to remain modest and not take on a position of authority, his character is prompted by the Duchess to embrace a more authoritative role. She encourages him to sit as a governor and engage in discourse as a squire, which highlights the dynamics of power and social roles in the narrative.
This moment underscores the contrasting personalities of Sancho and the aristocracy, as well as Cervantes' commentary on social status. Sancho’s reluctance reflects his integrity and simple upbringing, while the Duchess's insistence reflects societal expectations and the whimsical nature of power in their world. This interaction is significant as it illustrates Sancho's journey of self-assertion and the playful nature of nobility in the story.
