Picaresque Novel:
* Features a rogue protagonist: Don Quixote, despite his noble intentions, is a flawed and often ridiculous character who embarks on adventures driven by his delusions.
* Focuses on episodic journeys: The novel follows Quixote and his squire, Sancho Panza, as they travel through Spain, encountering various characters and situations.
* Offers a social critique: While humorous, the novel also critiques the societal norms and values of 17th-century Spain, particularly the obsession with chivalry and the realities of poverty.
Satire:
* Ridicules societal conventions: Don Quixote's delusional behavior satirizes the absurdity of chivalry and the romanticized ideals of knighthood.
* Uses humor to expose flaws: The novel uses wit and irony to expose the hypocrisy and foolishness of characters and institutions.
* Promotes a realistic view: By satirizing the unrealistic ideals of chivalry, the novel encourages readers to embrace a more grounded and realistic view of the world.
Metafiction:
* Breaks the fourth wall: The narrator often addresses the reader directly, commenting on the story and the characters, blurring the lines between fiction and reality.
* Reflects on the nature of storytelling: The novel questions the power of stories and how they shape our perceptions of the world.
* Subverts expectations: By presenting a world where fantasy and reality collide, Don Quixote challenges the traditional conventions of novel-writing.
In addition to these primary classifications, Don Quixote is also considered a romance, a comedy, and a tragedy. The novel's blend of genres makes it a uniquely rich and enduring work of literature.