Literary Devices and Narrative Techniques in a Novel

Literary Analysis

The Irony: The irony pervades the entire novel, mocking the chivalric genre. This is evident in all situations and the language used by the characters, including colloquial words, scrambled phrases, wordplay, invented sayings, and especially in Sancho's use of augmentative, diminutive, and derogatory words, typical of picaresque style. The language imitates literary conventions, sometimes parodying courtly, chivalrous, or oratorical styles. The accumulation of elements and the use of lists and multiple adjectives further parody the chivalric tradition.

Dialogue: The prose features a variety of stylistic approaches, making it a highlight of the novel. Dialogue is essential, often replacing descriptions. It is fast-paced and lively, contributing to the dynamism of the action and individualizing the characters.

The Letter: Letters offer varied perspectives, often parodying different aspects of the genre, such as love letters, including Quixote's parodic letter to Dulcinea, satirical commercial-style letters, and Sancho's natural and graceful letters to Teresa. The text uses euphemisms, hyperboles, periphrasis, and connotations (metaphors, metonymy, comparisons) relating to history, mythology, the Bible, and literature.

Dynamic: The dynamic nature of the novel is enhanced by the characters' movements and adventures, which are often followed by dialogue. External signs are used to announce adventures, and short, accumulated sentences create a sense of movement and speed.

Point of View or Perspective: The novel employs multiple perspectives. Cervantes presents the world through the views of his characters, the reader, and the author. The interplay between fiction and alleged historical facts from Arab authors creates a complex set of perspectives. Interpolated stories further enhance this effect.

Interpolated Stories: These stories introduce different realities, exploring social problems, high-born characters, members of the clergy, administration, and people of higher social classes than the protagonists. They serve as a sample of literature within literature, showcasing previously cultivated genres.