Question

Adapted from Dead Souls

by Nikolai Gogol

Select the correct answer.
How does the passage transform the archetype of the hero's journey?

A.
It contains an adventure or quest, but the hero is unconventional.
B.
It features a search for something valuable, but the hero is unaware of what it is.
C.
It describes a hero who is changed, but he does not undergo a revelation.
D.
It presents obstacles to the hero, but they are insurmountable.

Answer 1

Cervantes's 'Don Quixote' is referred to as the first modern novel due to the evolving characters, like Don Quixote and Sancho Panza. The term 'quixotic' signifies dreamy idealism, stemming from the novel's protagonist. Counting the days in their journey is less important than the transformative experiences they undergo.

Step-by-step explanation:

The novel Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes is often described as the first modern novel because of the psychological depth and growth of its characters, notably the evolution of Don Quixote and Sancho Panza throughout their adventures. This aspect of characters evolving throughout a story is a hallmark of modern narratives, distinguishing it from earlier forms of storytelling which often featured static characters. The term quixotic, derived from the character of Don Quixote, embodies the ideals of dreaming big and pursuing lofty, idealistic goals despite practical limitations. In Cervantes' narrative, both Don Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, change perceptibly over the course of their journey, with their perceptions of reality, self-identity, and their own capabilities transforming in response to their adventures. Whether it's possible to count the total number of days that pass during their journey is not a focus of the novel, as the emphasis is placed more on the transformative experiences than the temporal details.