Open-Ended Story: Don Quixote

Gather a group of clients and explain that this is a story with a twist; they can finish the story if they want to.

Introduce the book and author to the group if relevant. Read the story and ask clients to finish it either orally or in written form. If orally, write it down to share and discuss later.

Don't expect all participants to finish the story. If you get one or two responses, it is a good start.

Adventures of Don Quixote de la Mancha (Abridged Version)

By Miguel de Cervantes

Don Quixote is a gentleman from La Mancha, Spain. He loves reading stories about chivalry, magicians, pirates, princesses, and enchanted castles, so much that he hardly remembers to eat or sleep.

Obsessed with ideals of chivalry, he begins to lose touch with reality and imagines himself a hero.

One day, he hops on his horse, takes up his lance, and sets out to seek honor and glory. He dresses in his great-grandfather’s rusty armor, decorates his long-suffering horse Rocinante, and sets off to save the world.

In his imagination, he grants a spinster maiden the great title of Lady Dulcinea del Toboso and makes her the beneficiary of his affections; because every great man must have someone to love! He swears eternal devotion to Lady Dulcinea and sets off on his great adventure.

On the way, he meets Sancho Panza, a laborer working in the field, and persuades him to become his servant and confidant. For his troubles, he makes a promise to Sancho Panza: “I vow upon my honor, if you serve me, I will reward you with the governorship of an island.”

And so the two men set off on their journey together. “Listen, Sancho, someday our exploits will be famous the world over. Our names will live on in the memories of generations to come. But we must prove worthy of that honor by vanquishing villains and upholding justice.”

An hour later, Don Quixote sees something on a hill and shouts: “There is an Ogre high up on the hill, can you see it? That monster is waving his four arms!”

Sancho Panza says: “But Master, it is only a windmill!” His warnings go unheard. Don Quixote and Rocinante charge at the windmill at full speed: “Prepare to face my spear, Ogre!” With that, Don Quixote collides with the windmill.

Sancho rushes to his master who lies on the ground moaning: “Master, are you alright? I told you it was just a windmill.” Don Quixote responds: “Don’t worry, Sancho, the Ogre was more seriously wounded than me!”

Sancho scratches his head but is gradually drawn back into his master’s foolish dreams.

Continuing the journey, they pass a farm and see a flock of sheep. Don Quixote shouts: “The forces of evil have emerged! This time it is an entire army! Sancho, watch Rocinante while I subjugate these demons!”

Don Quixote attacks the sheep, which bleat and scatter. “Did you see those cowards running? They fear the Man of La Mancha!” says Don Quixote proudly.

Next, they see an Inn and decide to stop for rest. Don Quixote tells Sancho how lucky they are to find a marvellous castle…

Instructions for Activity Coordinator

Finish the Story:

Ask clients to guess what happens at the Inn or to create an ending for the story.

• What could possibly happen at the Inn?
• Can you finish this adventure?

Give them time to think of an ending. Before revealing the author’s ending, discuss the book.

Discussion Topics:

• Was Don Quixote mad or just delusional?
• Aren’t we all a bit delusional at times? Some people think money can bring happiness. Isn’t that delusional?
• Do intelligent people fall victim to outdated values?
• Is there a clear line between sanity and insanity?
• What do you think of Sancho Panza?

NOTE: ‘Don Quixote de La Mancha’ is a 500-page book written 400 years ago. With this short sample, topics for discussion are limited. You may read one chapter at a time for clients who can follow it.

Read Story Endings: Read out the different endings provided by the audience and then read the author’s ending for fun!

Author’s Ending:

As they enter the Inn, Don Quixote finds a rusty barber’s basin on the ground, which he mistakes for a hat and places on his head.

He removes his armor and eats dinner but refuses to take off his ‘hat’, which is firmly stuck on his head! He then demands that the Innkeeper bestow on him the title of “Knight”.

Alarmed, the Innkeeper performs a bizarre knighting ceremony. With Don Quixote kneeling, he touches a broomstick gently on each shoulder and declares him a Knight.

Satisfied, Don Quixote and Sancho leave the Inn for another adventure.