Semester of Graduation

May 2021

Degree

Master of Arts (MA)

Department

Foreign Languages and Literatures

Document Type

Thesis

Abstract

This thesis approaches Alonso’s Quijano’s conversion into Don Quijote from the point of view of a psychologist. The aim of this thesis is to explain the cognitive and psychological experiences that move Alonso Quijano to become Don Quijote and its impact in the development of our current studies of the mind. Thus, one specific question will direct my project although this question will be addressed using a multidisciplinary psychologist approach. The research question is “How can Alonso Quijano’s psychological experiences and interpretations of the real world be explained today?” This question will be addressed by referencing five episodes in the novel which, in conjunction with psychological theory, will provide support for the argument of this thesis. My own academic formation and my course work in the graduate program in Hispanic Studies have shown me that there are various concepts that can be used to analyze and study the main character of this novel in terms of its futurities, that is, as a path to explore and trace the genealogy of many of our contemporary questions in regard to the human mind and its cognitive development. Therefore, the aim of this research is to contribute to Alonso Quijano’s studies by providing a behavioral and cognitive psychologist approach to the dichotomous Alonso Quijano/Don Quijote state of mind and, in this way, to provide another bridge of conversation between the humanities and the social sciences.

Committee Chair

Carmela Mattza

DOI

10.31390/gradschool_theses.5275

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