Excerpt from Don Quixote
by Miguel de Cervantes Saavedra
translated from the Spanish by John Ormsby
1. At this point they came in sight of thirty or forty windmills that were on the plain, and as soon as Don Quixote saw them he said ta his squire, "Fortune is arranging matters for us better than we could have shaped our desiress ourselves, for look there, friend Sancho Panza, when thirty or more monstrous giants present themselves, all of whom I mean to engage in battle and stay, and with whose spoils we shall begin to make our fortunes; for this is righteous warfare, and it is God's good service to sweep so evil a breed from off the face of the earth."
2. "What giants?" said Sancho Panza.
3. "Those thou seest there." answered his master; "with the long arms, and some nave them nearly two leagues long.'
4. "Lock, your warship," said Sancho, "what we see there are not giants but windmills, and what seem to be their arms are the sails that turned by the wind make the millstone go."
5. "It is easy to see," replied Don Quixote, "that thou art not used to this business of adventures those are giants; and it thou art afraid, away with thee out of this and betake thyself to prayer while I engage them in fierce and unequal combat.
6. So saying, he gave the spur to his steed Rocinante, heedless of the cries his squire Sancho sent after him, warning him that most certainty they were windmills and not giants he was going to attack. He, however, was so positive they were giants that he neither heard the cries of Sancho, nor perceived, near as he was, what they were, but made at them shouting, "Fly not, cowards and vile beings, for a single knight. attacks you."
7. A slight breeze at this moment sprang up, and the great sails began to move, seeing which
Don Quixote exclaimed, “Though ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to
reckon with me.â€
8. So saying, and commending himself with all his heart to his lady Dulcinea, imploring her to support him in such a pert, with lance in rest, and covered by his buckler, he charged at Rocinante's fullest gallop and fell upon the first mill that stood in front of him, but as he drove his lance point into the sail the wind whirled it round with such force that it shivered the lance to pieces, sweeping win it horse and rider, who went rolling over on the plan, in a sorry condition. Sancho hastened to his assistance as fast as his donkey could go, and when he came up found Don Quixote unable to move, with such a shock had Rocinante fallen with him
9. “God bless me!" said Sancho. "Did I not tell your worship to mind what you were about, for they were only windmills? And no one could have made any mistake about it but one who had something of the same kind in his head."
10. “Hush, friend Sancho," replied Don Quixote, "the fortunes of war more than any other are liable to frequent fluctuations; and moreover I think, and it is the truth, that that same sage Friston who carried off my study and books, has turned these giants into mills in order to rob me of the glory of vanquishing them, such is the enmity he bears me; but in the and his wicked
And no one could have made any mistake about it but one who had something of the same kind in his head.' In this sentence, Sancho Panza is stating that
- A. he and Don Quixote have a relationship that
- B. he and Don Quixote think alike.
- C. Don Quixote makes hasty decisions.
- D. Don Quixote has a distorted vision of the world.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: D
Sancho Panza's statement implies that only someone with a similar mindset could misinterpret the situation, suggesting that Don Quixote's perspective is skewed. This indicates a distorted view of reality, aligning with option D. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a broader relationship without addressing the specific context of perception. Option B implies that they share thoughts, which does not capture the essence of misunderstanding. Option C focuses on decision-making rather than perception, failing to recognize the core issue of distorted vision. Thus, the emphasis is on Don Quixote's flawed worldview, making option D the most accurate interpretation.
Sancho Panza's statement implies that only someone with a similar mindset could misinterpret the situation, suggesting that Don Quixote's perspective is skewed. This indicates a distorted view of reality, aligning with option D. Option A is incorrect as it suggests a broader relationship without addressing the specific context of perception. Option B implies that they share thoughts, which does not capture the essence of misunderstanding. Option C focuses on decision-making rather than perception, failing to recognize the core issue of distorted vision. Thus, the emphasis is on Don Quixote's flawed worldview, making option D the most accurate interpretation.
Other Related Questions
How does the purpose of the email differ from the purpose of the press release?
- A. The email is written to prove to the zoning commission that wildlife would be adversely affected by the superstore, and the press release is written to remind residents that the company provides a valuable service.
- B. The email is written to request that the zoning commission address problems within the community that would be caused by the superstore, and the press release is written to bring those problems to the attention of the public.
- C. The email is written to convince the zoning commission that it should reject the proposal of a new superstore, and the press release is written to explain to residents that the company supports their needs.
- D. The email is written to ask the zoning commission to change the building specifications of the future superstore, and the press release is written to describe adjustments the corporation has made to the original plans.
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: C
Option C accurately distinguishes the purposes of the email and the press release. The email seeks to persuade the zoning commission to reject the superstore proposal, emphasizing community concerns. In contrast, the press release aims to communicate the company's commitment to meeting residents' needs, presenting a positive image. Option A misrepresents the email's intent by suggesting it focuses on proving wildlife harm, while the press release incorrectly emphasizes the company's service rather than addressing community issues. Option B conflates the email's goal of persuasion with a mere request for attention, failing to capture its advocacy nature. Option D incorrectly states the email's purpose as requesting changes to building specifications, which diverges from its focus on rejection, while the press release inaccurately describes it as merely detailing adjustments rather than addressing community concerns.
Option C accurately distinguishes the purposes of the email and the press release. The email seeks to persuade the zoning commission to reject the superstore proposal, emphasizing community concerns. In contrast, the press release aims to communicate the company's commitment to meeting residents' needs, presenting a positive image. Option A misrepresents the email's intent by suggesting it focuses on proving wildlife harm, while the press release incorrectly emphasizes the company's service rather than addressing community issues. Option B conflates the email's goal of persuasion with a mere request for attention, failing to capture its advocacy nature. Option D incorrectly states the email's purpose as requesting changes to building specifications, which diverges from its focus on rejection, while the press release inaccurately describes it as merely detailing adjustments rather than addressing community concerns.
…but as he drove his lance point into the sail the wind whirled it round with such force that it shivered the lance to pieces, sweeping with it horse and rider, who went rolling over on the plain, in a sorry condition.' Which definition matches the use of the word 'shivered' in the excerpt?
- A. splintered
- B. stuck
- C. swung
- D. surrendered
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A
In the context of the excerpt, "shivered" refers to the action of breaking or splintering into pieces, which aligns with option A. The imagery of the lance being shattered by the force of the wind supports this interpretation. Option B, "stuck," does not fit, as the action described involves destruction, not adhesion. Option C, "swung," implies movement rather than breaking, which is not consistent with the context. Finally, option D, "surrendered," suggests giving up, which is unrelated to the physical destruction of the lance. Thus, only option A accurately captures the intended meaning of "shivered."
In the context of the excerpt, "shivered" refers to the action of breaking or splintering into pieces, which aligns with option A. The imagery of the lance being shattered by the force of the wind supports this interpretation. Option B, "stuck," does not fit, as the action described involves destruction, not adhesion. Option C, "swung," implies movement rather than breaking, which is not consistent with the context. Finally, option D, "surrendered," suggests giving up, which is unrelated to the physical destruction of the lance. Thus, only option A accurately captures the intended meaning of "shivered."
In the press release, Brannick's Superstore claims it has taken or will take specific actions to address community concerns. Select those actions
- A. work with city officials
- B. offer online job applications
- C. maintain landscaping
- D. advertise for local businesses
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: A, C, D
Brannick's Superstore aims to address community concerns through proactive engagement and support. Working with city officials (A) demonstrates collaboration to tackle local issues, fostering a positive relationship with the community. Maintaining landscaping (C) reflects a commitment to enhancing the local environment, which can improve community aesthetics and pride. Advertising for local businesses (D) supports economic growth and strengthens community ties. Offering online job applications (B), while beneficial for job seekers, does not directly address community concerns and is more focused on internal operations rather than community engagement.
Brannick's Superstore aims to address community concerns through proactive engagement and support. Working with city officials (A) demonstrates collaboration to tackle local issues, fostering a positive relationship with the community. Maintaining landscaping (C) reflects a commitment to enhancing the local environment, which can improve community aesthetics and pride. Advertising for local businesses (D) supports economic growth and strengthens community ties. Offering online job applications (B), while beneficial for job seekers, does not directly address community concerns and is more focused on internal operations rather than community engagement.
A slight breeze at this moment sprang up, and the great sails began to move, seeing which Don Quixote exclaimed, 'Though ye flourish more arms than the giant Briareus, ye have to reckon with me.' According to Greek legend, Briareus was a giant with a hundred arms and fifty heads who helped the gods in battles against foes. How does the author's comparison of the windmills to mythological giant function in the excerpt?
- A. The comparison advances the author's perspective about the dangers involved in acting before considering the consequences
- B. The comparison supports the author's characterization of Don Quixote as brave but misguided.
- C. The comparison advances the author's view that helping someone in need is an indication of true friendship.
- D. The comparison supports the author's purpose of showing the foolishness of Don Quixote for attacking windmills
Correct Answer & Rationale
Correct Answer: B
The comparison to Briareus highlights Don Quixote's bravery and misguided perception of reality. By equating the windmills to a formidable giant, the author emphasizes Don Quixote's noble intentions but also his delusions, showcasing his valor in the face of imaginary threats. Option A misinterprets the focus on bravery, as the excerpt centers more on Don Quixote's misconceptions than on the consequences of actions. Option C is irrelevant, as the passage does not address friendship or helping others. Option D, while touching on foolishness, overlooks the deeper characterization of Don Quixote's courage amidst his folly.
The comparison to Briareus highlights Don Quixote's bravery and misguided perception of reality. By equating the windmills to a formidable giant, the author emphasizes Don Quixote's noble intentions but also his delusions, showcasing his valor in the face of imaginary threats. Option A misinterprets the focus on bravery, as the excerpt centers more on Don Quixote's misconceptions than on the consequences of actions. Option C is irrelevant, as the passage does not address friendship or helping others. Option D, while touching on foolishness, overlooks the deeper characterization of Don Quixote's courage amidst his folly.