The torments endured by Don Quixote in Barcelona exceed those he suffered at the ducal castle. Paraded through the streets with a sign on his back so that passersby can gape at him, and then forced to dance for the idle amusement of spectators until utterly exhausted, represents the saddest ignominy that he has thus far suffered. Cervantes also shows in these incidents that city life is more of a source of decadence and mockery than country life.
Connect with CliffsNotes
