Intersectional Identities of Maritornes in <i>Don Quijote</i>

An understanding of intersectionality, as elaborated by Kimberlé Williams Crenshaw, and the critical work of Juan Diego Vila, are useful for a consideration of Maritornes, introduced in part 1, chapter 16, of Don Quijote. Her intersectional identities serve to subordinate and “multiply-burden” her as a woman, a migrant from Asturias, conventionally unattractive or even ugly, visually impaired, physically disabled, and sexually promiscuous. However, additional characteristics, namely her honesty, charm, kindness, compassion, and mischievousness combine with her intellectual independence and insistence upon her own bodily autonomy to liberate her from the confines of a stereotypical female representation.