"El cervantismo" of Pereda and the esoteric criticism of Don Quixote

Abstract

This article reviews the different perspectives from which Don Quixote has been treated and written, from its publication until the 20th century, mentioning various renowned authors from Spain. The interpretations, especially romantic, of Cervantes' work in Spain were mainly due to Clemencín's edition and Benjumea's opinions, even leading to the creation of a more philological and a more extra-academic side, which was closer to symbolism and philosophy. José María de Pereda wrote articles on Don Quixote, since he was passionate about the work of Cervantes, and he always did so in a satirical and literary critical style. The one that stands out the most is El cervantismo, where Pereda ridicules the superfluous and ridiculous eagerness for Don Quixote of many scholars and writers. This article mentions other Peredian essays on Cervantes and his eagerness to defend the figure of the one he admired.