Final answer:
Don Quixote's actions were deeply influenced by religion, mirroring the 17th-century Spanish Golden Age's religious fervor, aligned with the Counter-Reformation. His chivalric quests and moral undertakings reflect the era's religious and moral codes, as illustrated in Miguel de Cervantes' literary work.
Step-by-step explanation:
Religion significantly influenced the character of Don Quixote and his actions. In The Ingenious Gentleman Don Quixote of La Mancha, Miguel de Cervantes paints a picture of a protagonist who is heavily influenced by the chivalric and religious ideologies of his time, reflective of 17th-century Spain's societal norms. The era, known for the Spanish Golden Age, was marked by the Counter-Reformation, which was a response to the Protestant Reformation and aimed at reforming the Catholic Church. The knight-errant's quest to revive chivalry and address the wrongs of the world was intertwined with a religious fervor that mirrored the mysticism of the period, as seen in the austere and ascetic work of artists like Francisco de Zurbarán, who was influenced by the mysticism of Saint Theresa of Avila. Don Quixote's actions, from his undertaking of penance for his perceived sins to his dedication to a sacred quest on behalf of his imagined lady love Dulcinea, are reflective of the religious zeal and moral codes of the time, showcasing how deeply religion permeated every facet of life, including literature.