Many people have difficulty connecting the terms “classic novel” and “humorous”. However, when we remember the adventures of the ingenious hidalgo of La Mancha, many will be able to make the connection. The diversity, wit, charm, humor, and philosophy presented in the novel make it one of the most famous novels ever written. Don Quixote, written by Miguel de Cervantes, focuses on the titular self-proclaimed knight-errant and the adventures of his squire Sancho Panza brought on by the knight's delusion. Quixote was originally a sane man, but becomes insane and believes everything he reads in chivalry books to be true. A second volume was added ten years later, when Quixote was publicly exposed and ridiculed, leading to many philosophical discussions about the nature of deception and illusion. The novel has been considered the first play on modern literature because of its emphasis on characters and their development, particularly in the second volume. Because of its historical significance, commentary on other novels, and philosophical discussion, Don Quixote should be taught in a high school curriculum. Cervantes' combination of laughter and banter is still very much alive, with the actor delivering a punchline and the audience having their mirth awaited by laugh tracks played over the speakers. The humor of Don Quixote proves that humor has not changed much, even though it is hundreds of years old and translated from its original language. Cervantes wrote the novel to be amusing, with some scholars commenting: "Cervantes' Spanish vocabulary is simple, based on two words, risa and burla. Literally, "the jaws were clenched and the mouth full of laughter" of Sancho (risa)... In the following passage,...... middle of paper ......n where many may perhaps recognize his image and know at least a little of its history. Because of its explanation and history of humor, its discussions of the philosophies of deception and madness, the breaking down of class barriers, and its historical and cultural significance, Don Quixote should be taught in a high school English curriculum to enable and encourage students to achieve greater practical understanding. knowledge of classical literature, tradition, philosophy and humor. Works Cited Rooks, Kristin. "Don Quixote." English. Discovery Communications, Inc. Discovery.com, Betesda, MD. February 14, 2012. Classroom lessons. Paulson, Ronald. Don Quixote in England: the aesthetics of laughter. Baltimore: Johns Hopkins University Press, 1998. Print.Watt, Ian P.. Myths of Modern Individualism: Faust, Don Quixote, Don Juan, Robinson Crusoe. Cambridge [England: Cambridge University Press, 1996. Print.