Literature and the art of (mis)interpretation

ONE of the most influential books in Western literature is the 17th century Spanish novel Don Quixote de La Mancha by Miguel de Cervantes. In the novel, the titular character, Don Quixote, went mad after becoming obsessed with the numerous chivalrous romances he had read. Confusing reality with fantasy, he decided to go on a quest to become a knight-errant himself.

I was reminded of Don Quixote as I pondered upon the purpose and value of literature as a specialization. Quixote’s journey, filled with adventurous mishaps, can be read as a parody of literature itself.