the psychological side of the don

[darksun]

I find the cryptic undertones of the book interesting. foe example the windmill represent dragons the modernisation of his time such as the huge buildings that tower the skyline of our time and what they represent, the matrerialism of a society.

the high ideals of one matched by the ignorance of the other. He was knowledgeable of many things such as astrology etc where those around him had no knowledge of these things at all. the curator who decided what was useful and what was not when shifting through the Dons books. the romances where not all that bad so the type of knowledge the Don had was beneficial, including the the priests and how the Don saw them all these individuals repersent some psychological aspect of the human being. It was not a defamation of an old fool more of call to useful ideals

[Solastro]

Yes may well we psychologise about this timeless story.. a story of the divine madness of life.. which leads us down fascinating & interesting paths.. what is the true purpose of adventure.. of ideals.. of dreams.. what is oppression.. what is self deafeatism.. I am coming from another persepctive that of the play of 'Man of la Mancha'.. portrayed in the film of the same name with Peter O'Toole & Sophia Loren.. a much mocked film.. but I don't agree.. who are these mockers.. where are they coming from.. I thought this was a great film with fine performances...

So what was Joseph Campbell on about in his book.. 'The Hero With a Thousand Faces'.. I must admit I am more attracted towards film.. than readng a lot of books.. but I am fascinated by the psycholgical realities behind all apparent realities.. yes I too am also a student of psychological astrology.. mythology.. all sorts of symbolism.. the archetypal etc etc.. always looking to see beyond 'reality'...

So the metaphor of this story beginning in a prison.. is very apt.. for the prison we all live in.. the prison of our lack of imagination.. allowing ourselves to dream & follow those dreams with a divine sort of madness.. following the spirit of Don Quixote.. the poet.. the artist etc.. romantic ideals in a harsh world.. were sometimes too much 'reality' crushes us under it's weight...

[Adventure Man]

both of you wrote some beautiful posts that made me think deeper about D.Q.
thank you,
a.m.