While reading the first eight chapters of Don Quixote in la Mancha I couldn’t help to compare Don Quixote’s identity transformation to “knighthood” to the knights of the round table in the comedy Monty Python and the Holy Grail in that it is a comedic tale of idiotic knights who run around unwittingly leaving destruction in their wake. Don Quixote’s new identity causes him to become very selfish and self-righteous and to be completely unaware of his surroundings. Don Quixote tries to justify all the crazy things he does by saying it is all in the name of his love for Dulcinea, but in reality, it is only to fulfill the fantasy of a delusional man. He sells all his land and spends all his money without thinking of his family. Then he leaves his home without telling a soul, leaving his family worried for him. Don Quixote’s self-righteousness comes into play when he decides to attack the group of merchants. He tells himself that it is because they disgraced Dulcinea, but it is actually because he believes that he is a knight and knights just attack random wanderers on the road. The parts that really show Don Quixote’s mental unawareness is when he attacks the guests outside the inn and when he attacks the monks. This also is what really reminded me of Monty Python, because Don Quixote attacks innocent people for seemingly no reason. The scene in Monty Python and the Holy Grail where Lancelot invades a castle killing all the innocent wedding guests inside for, in the eyes of the wedding guests, no reason. Don Quixote’s mental absence causes himself and others to get hurt, but his selfishness and self-righteousness prevents him from stopping.

I have never thought of changing my identity because I am content with who I am today. I believe that if someone desires a change in identity, that means that they aren’t satisfied with who they are, therefore seeking change. If I were to change myself i would attempt to pursue a field as a stand-up comedian, but my other passion of  global politics is keeping me on my current course. Also, my knowledge of the difficulty and competitiveness that one needs in order to succeed as a comedian keeps me on this track. I would not change my identity like Don Quixote did. Don Quixote was very reckless in his transition and caused a lot of people a lot of pain. I hope that if i ever change my identity, I will do it in a way that is not reckless, allows me to be a successful comedian, and I won’t hurt anyone or my self in the process. Don Quixote was very quick in his process which caused the recklessness and pain. I would be slow and efficient in my process hoping to ensure success. I will turn selfish and self-righteous. I will know my faults and attempt to fix them. When Don Quixote has his faults he attempts to fix them without thinking.