Don Quixote had all of the positive symptoms of schizophrenia.The first symptoms Don Quixote suffered were delusions.He went crazy after reading romantic books about chivalry.In the story, he reads so many books about chivalry that he thought he was a knight and hero of society when the age of knights were gone (Cervantes 823-826).This is called a persecutory delusion because the sufferer takes on a different and fantastic identity (“Schizophrenia” 2).

Delusions can be harmful to families if they are thought as persecuting the victim (“Schizophrenia” 2).Don Quixote is “tricked by his friends and brought him home, where he is treated as a lunatic.His family deprives him of the dangerous books, and they hope that the madness will pass.”He eventually found a way to escape and continued his quest as a knight (“Don Quixote” 830).

Sufferers from schizophrenia often see, smell, hear, and feel things that are not real.These hallucinations often influence a person’s actions and sometimes cause harm to the individual (“Schizophrenia” 2).Don Quixote almost killed himself when he charged at a windmill, but he only damaged his lance (“Don Quixote” 834).

With so many similarities, it is safe to say that Don Quixote was one of the first literary characters ever to have schizophrenia.From delusions to hallucinations, Don Quixote let his knighthood fantasy run wild.The ironic thing is Don Quixote became a famous even though he was never truly a knight.

Cervantes, Miguel.“from Don Quixote.”World Literature, Revised Edition.Trans.Samuel 

Putnam.Austin: Holt, Rinehart, and Winston, 1998.823-836.

The textbook contains excerpts from different literatures from around the world and through time.In “Don Quixote”, pictures, background notes, and an author biography is included.The story is followed by a set of questions.

“Schizophrenia.”Royal College of Psychiatrists.Online.1998.

<http://www.rcpsych.ac.uk/public/help/schiz/sch_frame.htm>.28 Feb 2000.

“Schizophrenia” is web page/ pamphlet that tells readers general information about the mental illness.The page discusses the symptoms, causes, history, forms of treatment, and impacts on family life.The site also contains links to organizations and recommended readings for further study.