You should know, Sancho," said Don Quixote, "that love shows no restraint, and does not keep within the bounds of reason as it proceeds, and has the same character as death: it attacks the noble palaces of kings as well as the poor huts of shepherds, and when it takes full possession of a heart, the first thing it does is to take away fear and shame…
In this excerpt from Don Quixote, the protagonist, Don Quixote, conveys a profound understanding of love's nature to his companion Sancho. He suggests that love is an uncontrollable force that transcends logic and social status, affecting everyone equally regardless of their wealth or position. Just as death is impartial, love can invade the lives of both the powerful and the humble alike.
Don Quixote emphasizes that when love overtakes an individual, it strips away their fear and shame, leading them into a new reality where rationality no longer holds sway. This insight reflects the central theme of the novel, where personal desires and ideals often challenge societal norms and expectations, illustrating the transformative power of love in the human experience.
