this was the first time that he thoroughly felt and believed himself to be a knight-errant in reality and not merely in fancy, now that he saw himself treated in the same way as he had read of such knights being treated in days of yore.
In Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra's "Don Quixote," there is a pivotal moment when the protagonist, Don Quixote, truly believes in his identity as a knight-errant. This realization comes not just from his imagination but from the way he is treated by others, mirroring the tales of brave knights he has read about. It marks a shift where his dreams and reality begin to intertwine, emphasizing his deep commitment to the chivalric ideals he cherishes.
This experience reinforces the theme of honor and nobility that Don Quixote aspires to embody. Being regarded as a knight in the eyes of others validates his quest, transforming his fanciful aspirations into a tangible reality. This moment captures the essence of his character, portraying the powerful influence of literature on his psyche and further illustrating the novel's exploration of the line between fantasy and reality.
