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Written around the year of 1283, Blanquerna is a novel that details the life of the titular character who left his home to follow what he believes God wants him to be, a hermit.

However, Blanquerna “is morally forced to join a monastery,” (“Blanquerna”) something he did not want to do. He preferred the concept of being a devoted hermit. As a monk, Blanquerna had to conquer sexual temptation from a maiden named Natana. He then rose through the ranks and became an Abbot, a leader of a monastery, and, eventually, the pope. As the pope, he performed many reformations of the church.

Once he felt that the church was sound, Blanquerna abandoned his position and became the hermit he wanted to be. Using the knowledge from his sexual temptation, he wrote a book that helps monks in their quest to remain celibate.

This novel showcases the social rise of an individual who ascends to the top, showing readers that they too can ascend if they are willing to put the time in.This is similar to themes seen in the Tale of Genji, as well as themes in Don Quixote.