Once a woman parts with her virtue, she loses the esteem even of the man whose vows and tears won her to abandon it

Once a woman parts with her virtue, she loses the esteem even of the man whose vows and tears won her to abandon it

In Miguel de Cervantes' novel, "Don Quixote," the theme of virtue and its importance in society is a prevalent one. The quote, "Once a woman parts with her virtue, she loses the esteem even of the man whose vows and tears won her to abandon it," speaks to the societal expectations and consequences surrounding a woman's virtue in the context of relationships and reputation.

In the novel, the character of Don Quixote himself is a prime example of someone who values virtue and honor above all else. He is constantly striving to uphold the ideals of chivalry and honor, even in the face of ridicule and mockery. Don Quixote's unwavering commitment to these values serves as a stark contrast to the societal norms of his time, where women were often judged and valued based on their virtue and purity.

The quote suggests that once a woman loses her virtue, she loses not only the respect of society but also the respect of the man who supposedly loved her. This speaks to the double standard that existed in Cervantes' time, where women were expected to uphold their virtue at all costs, while men were often given more leeway in their behavior.