Overview of the novel

El Lazarillo de Tormes is the protagonist of the novel written in 1554, anonymous author.  It was written as a critique and satire of the times, "El Siglo de Oro," Spain's Golden Century (1500-1650).  Carlos V was the King of Spain.  While Spain was at its height in glory from the discovery of the New World with all of its gold, the citizens of Spain were very poor.  All of the healthy, strong men had been sent to war to maintain Spain's territories in Europe, Africa and the New World.  Only the women, children and old men remained in Spain.  In addition, the noble class refused to work, preferring to be hungry and maintain their status of nobility.  It was beneath their dignity to use their hands.  The catholic church is also a focus of satire in the novel.  The priests were often corrupt and cared more about themselves than serving others.  The anonymous author of this very well known novel kept his identity hidden for good reason.  Had he made view his opinions of his country, he would have most likely be put to death.  The Spanish Inquisition was in full force.

El Lazarillo is known as a "pícaro," a roque.  He must make his living by begging, stealing, and using his wits to survive.  The novel is a picaresque novel (novela picaresca), describing the life of a "pícaro" in Spain during the 16th century.  Most picaresque novels were written in first person, as a form of autobiography.  The picaresque novel was the first type of realism seen in Spanish literature.  It gives us a very real look at life in Spain.  There is nothing romantic or idealistic about it.  

El Lazarillo de Tormes was born in Salamanca, in the river Tormes while his mother was working at the mill.  He finds his first employment with a blind man (ciego) in Salamanca.  When they leave Salamanca for their adventures, they cross the Roman Bridge (Puente Romano), which is still in use in Salamanca.  At the entrance to the bridge there is a statue in honor of El Lazarillo and the Blind Man.  You will see that El Lazarillo is still very much alive today in Salamanca.

1. ¿En qué año fue escrita la novela?
2. ¿Cómo se llamaba el autor?
3. ¿Hay ironía en la novela?  ¿De qué?  Dé unos ejemplos.
4. ¿Cuál tema (theme) es el más importante de la novela?
5. Nombre otros temas de la novela.
6. Describa la familia del Lazarillo.
7. ¿Quién fue el primer amo (master) del Lazarillo?
8. Dé una breve descripción del ciego, el cura y el escudero.  Use adjetivos.
9. ¿Cuándo fue el Siglo de Oro?  ¿Quién fue el rey?

Links about El Lazarillo de Tormes:

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Created and maintained by Nancy Barclay; last updated 07/01/2001 .