Lazarillo de Tormes

Definition

Lazarillo de Tormes is a seminal work of Spanish literature, published anonymously in 1554, that marks the beginning of the picaresque novel genre. It tells the story of a young boy, Lázaro, who navigates a harsh world through wit and survival as he serves various masters. This novel offers a critical social commentary on 16th-century Spain, exploring themes such as poverty, social class, and the hypocrisy of society.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. The novel is structured as a first-person narrative where Lázaro recounts his life experiences and the various masters he serves, each representing different aspects of society.
2. Lazarillo de Tormes employs humor and satire to highlight the absurdities of social class distinctions and the moral failings of its characters.
3. The text was controversial upon its release due to its frank depiction of poverty and criticism of the clergy, leading to it being banned at various points in history.
4. Lázaro’s journey reflects the theme of survival in a society that is often indifferent or hostile to the poor, showing his adaptability and resourcefulness.
5. The novel ends with Lázaro finding some stability but still remaining disillusioned by society, suggesting that true happiness remains elusive despite his efforts.

Review Questions

• How does Lazarillo de Tormes illustrate the characteristics of the picaresque genre through Lázaro's experiences?
  • Lazarillo de Tormes exemplifies the picaresque genre by presenting Lázaro as a roguish protagonist who navigates life through cunning and adaptability. His encounters with various masters reflect the satirical nature of the genre, exposing societal flaws while showcasing his struggles against adversity. The episodic structure and Lázaro's resourceful methods highlight the qualities typical of picaresque novels.
• In what ways does Lazarillo de Tormes serve as an allegory for social critique during its time?
  • Lazarillo de Tormes functions as an allegory by using Lázaro’s hardships to comment on broader societal issues such as poverty, class inequality, and religious hypocrisy. Each master represents different societal flaws, allowing readers to see the pervasive corruption in 16th-century Spain. The humor and irony present in Lázaro's narrative further emphasize the absurdity of these social conditions, making the novel a powerful critique.
• Evaluate the impact of Lazarillo de Tormes on later literary works, particularly on Cervantes' Don Quixote and its themes.
  • Lazarillo de Tormes had a profound influence on later literary works, particularly Cervantes' Don Quixote. Both novels share themes of social critique and explore human folly through humor and irony. While Lazarillo focuses on survival and the struggles of the lower class, Don Quixote expands this discourse to include ideals versus reality. The narrative style and character development seen in Lazarillo paved the way for Cervantes' complex storytelling, establishing a foundation for modern literature.

Related terms

Picaresque: A genre of literature that features a roguish hero or anti-hero who lives by their wits in a corrupt society.

Allegory: A narrative that uses symbolic figures and actions to express deeper meanings and critique societal issues.

Cervantes:

Miguel de Cervantes was a contemporary author of Lazarillo de Tormes and is best known for his novel Don Quixote, which also critiques social norms through humor and irony.