Question

After his spear is broken, what does Don Quixote use as a replacement? a. Sancho Panza’s spear c. A flask of wine b. Sancho Panza’s cane d. A branch of a tree

Answer 1

When thinking about the novel, Don Quixote, it is important to remember that the text is supposed to be a comedy.  As such, when thinking about answers to questions, what might appear as silly and absurd with regard to an action by Don Quixote, in his world, it might just make sense.  With that in mind we know that he broke his lance “fighting” a windmill, yet the windmill made sense to him as an opponent.  In looking at the possible responses to this question, a spear and a cane, actually make sense, yet too much sense to one who just fought a windmill.  A flask would make no sense even to Don Quixote; however, the branch of a tree fits right in perfectly into his world.  Thus, with that in mind, it can safely be understood (and make sense) that a tree branch was what Don Quixote used as a replacement for his spear.