The delirious virtus of the ingenious nobleman

Abstract

This article argues that Don Quixote's ingenuity is given by his delusional character, which, in turn, makes him more virtuous, since delirium enhances the virtue of actions and increases ingenuity. Here is the matter of the choleric-melancholic temperament; artists and geniuses are likely to have them, as in the case of Alonso Quijano, and the relationship between delirium or frenzy, virtue and ingenuity is deepened. His gloomy temperament makes him either depressed or enthusiastic, or, in common words, a madman. And, at the same time, as long as his delusion doesn't kick in, he's generally a discreet man. Regarding other emotions, Don Quixote seems to follow the Aristotelian guidelines regarding anger and its balance with reason. He also exposes prudence and resignation as standards of the knight errant, who always advocates justice and goodness.