In this example of tone, Cervantes calls Don Quixote “a madman” and says he has “lost his understanding.” The narrative voice clearly thinks that Don Quixote’s decision to become a knight-errant is foolish, and much of the novel pokes fun at Don Quixote’s attempts to prove his valiance. Cervantes creates an ironic distance between himself as the author and Don Quixote’s heroic quest.