Lazarillo De Tormes: a Character Analysis

Introduction

"Lazarillo de Tormes," an anonymous Spanish novella published in 1554, is a seminal work in the picaresque literary tradition. The narrative unfolds through the eyes of its protagonist, Lázaro de Tormes, whose life story is told in a first-person autobiographical format. This essay aims to analyze the character of Lázaro, examining the ways in which he embodies the traits of a pícaro—a roguish, lower-class figure who uses his wits to navigate a corrupt society. Through an exploration of Lázaro's development, motivations, and interactions with other characters, this analysis will elucidate his role as both a product and a critic of his social environment.

Body Paragraph

Lázaro de Tormes begins his journey as a destitute child, born to a washerwoman and a miller who is later imprisoned for theft. His early life is marked by hardship and survival, themes that will continue to define his existence. As a young boy, Lázaro is sold to a blind beggar, his first master, who subjects him to cruelty and deprivation. Despite the harsh treatment, Lázaro learns valuable lessons in cunning and deceit from the beggar. This relationship sets the tone for Lázaro's subsequent experiences, where he repeatedly encounters various masters who exploit him for their gain. Each master, whether a priest, a squire, or a friar, represents different facets of societal corruption, and Lázaro's interactions with them reveal his growing resourcefulness and adaptability.

Throughout the novella, Lázaro's character evolves from a naive, submissive child into a shrewd and pragmatic survivor. His transformation is driven by a need for self-preservation in a world that offers him little compassion or opportunity. For instance, when Lázaro serves the blind beggar, he quickly learns to outwit his master by stealing food and money—a behavior that highlights his cunning nature. This theme continues with his subsequent masters, where Lázaro employs various tricks and strategies to endure and occasionally improve his circumstances. His experiences underscore the idea that in a corrupt society, survival often necessitates moral flexibility and ingenuity.

Lázaro's interactions with his masters also provide a critical lens through which the novella critiques the societal and religious institutions of 16th-century Spain. Each master embodies a different aspect of the hypocrisy and moral decay pervasive in these institutions. The blind beggar, for instance, represents the cruelty and exploitation of the lower classes, while the priest symbolizes the greed and corruption within the Church. Lázaro's service to these figures allows him—and by extension, the reader—to see the stark contrast between the ideals these institutions profess and the reality of their actions. This critique is further amplified by Lázaro's ultimate acceptance of his fate, suggesting a resigned acknowledgment of the pervasive corruption that defines his world.

However, Lázaro is not merely a passive victim of his circumstances; he actively shapes his destiny through his actions and decisions. His marriage to a woman of questionable repute, facilitated by a corrupt archpriest, exemplifies his pragmatic approach to life. While this arrangement brings him a semblance of stability and respectability, it also underscores the compromises and moral ambiguities that characterize Lázaro's existence. His acceptance of this situation, despite its ethical implications, reflects his understanding that survival in a corrupt society often requires personal sacrifices and moral concessions.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Lázaro de Tormes is a complex character whose life story serves as both a reflection and a critique of the societal norms and institutions of his time. His journey from a destitute child to a shrewd survivor encapsulates the themes of survival, cunning, and moral ambiguity that define the picaresque genre. Through his interactions with various masters, Lázaro exposes the hypocrisy and corruption inherent in the social and religious structures of 16th-century Spain. While his actions often blur the lines between right and wrong, they also highlight the resilience and adaptability required to navigate a world rife with injustice and exploitation. Lázaro's character, therefore, not only embodies the traits of a pícaro but also serves as a poignant commentary on the human condition and the societal forces that shape it.