José Manuel Martín Morán

Don Quijote, mito nacional en el primer franquismo

Introduction

Don quijote, mito nacional en el primer franquismo. Explora cómo Don Quijote fue reinterpretado como mito nacional durante los primeros diez años del franquismo, desde un emblema imperial hasta un héroe incomprendido, y su uso ideológico.

Abstract

El Quijote y don Quijote fueron objeto de una lectura proyectiva en los diez primeros años del franquismo, con tonos y énfasis distintos en función del momento histórico. En este trabajo se hace una reseña crítica de las ideas más representativas de esa apropiación indebida, para tratar de comprender la evolución de la misma, desde la utilización inicial del personaje como emblema de los anhelados valores imperiales –el querer ser y la acción desinteresada por el bien de la humanidad–, hasta la identificación posterior con la melancolía del héroe incomprendido, pasando por la excavación ideológica en el Quijote en busca del ímpetu utópico falangista.

Review

This article promises a highly relevant and insightful exploration into the political instrumentalization of Miguel de Cervantes's *Don Quijote* during the nascent years of the Francoist regime. The abstract clearly outlines a critical review of the "projective reading" and "undue appropriation" of both the novel and its eponymous hero, aiming to trace their evolution as a "national myth" within the first decade of Francoism. By focusing on how a foundational text of Spanish literature was re-conceptualized to serve specific ideological agendas, the work positions itself as a significant contribution to understanding the cultural politics of authoritarianism and the malleability of national symbols. A central strength of the proposed study lies in its nuanced chronological analysis of this appropriation. The abstract details a fascinating progression, from Don Quijote's initial depiction as an emblem of imperial values and disinterested action, through a phase where his utopian impulses resonated with Falangist ideology, to a later identification with the melancholic, misunderstood hero. This detailed trajectory not only reveals the adaptability of the literary figure but also reflects the shifting ideological demands and self-perceptions of the regime. The commitment to a "critical review of representative ideas" further suggests a rigorous engagement with historical discourse and primary sources, enhancing the study's analytical depth. Ultimately, this article stands to make a substantial contribution to several fields, including Cervantine studies, cultural history, and the study of national identity under authoritarian rule. By meticulously dissecting the various ideological guises attributed to Don Quijote, the work illuminates the complex processes through which national myths are constructed and cultural heritage is manipulated for political ends. It offers a compelling case study of how a canonical text can be both a source of enduring meaning and a powerful, if distorted, tool for propaganda, providing valuable insights for scholars examining the intersection of literature, politics, and national identity in 20th-century Spain and beyond.

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