The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes, told in the first person, is an adventurous novel recounting a young orphan’s struggle to survive in a harsh world.
Abandoned by his mother at a young age and given to a blind man to “take care of,” Lazaro learns to be crafty and endure adversity. This peculiar lifestyle teaches him tricksiness and how to survive difficulties.
“I can give you neither gold nor silver, but I can teach you much in the ways of getting a livelihood.”
Indeed, Lazaro’s life is filled with ups and downs, unexpected twists and turns, and thought-provoking episodes. Each story within this intricate plot carries its value. And who does not enjoy uncovering a good tale?
The story of Lazarus, a young orphan who learns to survive
Lazaro, a person with scarce means, becomes a servant to various masters. Each part of the book recounts his experiences with each one. In his struggle to survive and get enough food, Lazaro becomes resourceful and sometimes resorts to lying. Although aware certain actions are incorrect, he has no choice but to carry them out, driven by hunger rather than gluttony.
As Lazaro reflects, “How many there are in the world who run from others because they do not see themselves in them.”
As the story progresses, the accumulated mistreatment and hardships lead Lazaro to develop vengeful feelings toward some masters. Over time, his heart hardens as the cruelty of others corrupts him, evoking Rousseau’s statement, “Man is born good, and society corrupts him.”
Due to his dire situation, Lazaro is compelled to betray, steal, and cheat. I was touched by how he relates even his bleakest misfortunes with humor, eliciting smiles despite the grim scenes, displaying an “all’s well that ends well” spirit. From a young age, he endured hardship and abuse without parental support, altering his worldview and forcing him into a survival mode.
How Lazaro lived with a gentleman and what happened to him while there.
One hilarious moment comes from the “Third Master” chapter when Lazaro asks his master to properly close the door because they bring in a corpse. His master’s stunned reaction is priceless:
“What is this, my boy, what are you making a noise about, what are you doing, why are you shutting the door in such a fury?” “Oh sir,” I cried, “they are bringing a dead body here!” “How do you know?” he said. “I met it in the street,” I replied, “and the dead man’s wife was crying and shouting, ‘My lord and husband, whither do they take you, to the dark and dismal house, to the sad and wretched place, to the house where they never eat nor drink.’ It must be here, sir, that they are bringing it.”
Lazaro: a story of self-improvement
I admire Lazaro’s innocent acceptance of his trying destiny initially. He ends up normalizing adversity that no one should endure. For many, hardship is all they know. If society were more aware of people’s suffering and realities, we could take action to improve the quality of life so children do not experience Lazaro’s grim circumstances.
Lazaro relates his situations with a child’s openness and honesty. However, over time, the difficulties he faces extinguish this innocence. While goodness dwells within him, life’s misery occasionally reveals his darkest side.
This book unveils a reality we often deny or judge because we have not walked in another’s shoes. Through Lazaro’s eyes, we envision his loneliness, instability, hunger, and abuse from a young age.
After serving several masters, he finally secures a job and marries, forming his own home.
Among centuries-old words: Lazarillo de Tormes and his reflections on life
Though unmentioned, I think Lazaro finds stability, love, and companionship with his wife—comforts he lacked before. Perhaps for that reason, when whispers spread about his wife’s possible affair with the master, he ignores the malicious gossip.
But as a picaresque novel, Lazaro entertains us with humor amid difficulties, exemplifying the spirit of making the best of bad situations.
Intriguingly, though written in the 1500s, the text echoes expressions still used today, demonstrating how language resonates across generations.
Ultimately, the novel criticizes its era’s corrupt, unfair society while relaying a tale of survival and self-betterment.
In conclusion, Lazarillo de Tormes makes for a short, pleasant read.
Have you read this? Please share your thoughts on Lazaro!
You want to read it? Consider downloading this public domain book in epub or PDF format.
