Lazarillo De Tormes

Lázaro, who is really a mouthpiece for the author’s opinions, sees that everyone seems to want fame and fortune without having to work for it. Do you see any similarities between Lázaro’s culture in 6th-century Spain and modern culture today? Write an essay using examples from Lázaro’s story to demonstrate where you see these similarities in today’s world.

Despite the physical and mental abuse in the story, as well as the social and religious hypocrisy, the novel does show moments of compassion. Using examples from the text, write an essay detailing three separate scenes in which Lázaro expresses compassion or receives compassion from others.

There are many instances of ambiguity, reversals, and irony in the Prologue. For example, the story is written by someone who has worked in the modest position of town-crier, which requires no education or essential skills, but the narrator also mentions classical authors, suggesting education and thus throwing the narrator’s identity and social status into question. Using examples from the Prologue, identify at least three other ambiguous or ironic statements and describe how they evoke the story’s themes.

There are two distinct voices in the novel. There is Lázaro the rogue and narrator, and there is the anonymous author. Describe how they differ from one another. What qualities make them distinct from each other? What role does each play in the unfolding message of the book?

Using the events of Chapters 2 and 5, describe how the author criticizes the Catholic Church through the character of Lázaro. Cite three quotes from each chapter that support your argument.

Chapter 3 establishes that the squire is different from most of Lázaro’s other masters. Describe what the differences are and explain what the anonymous author implies through the squire’s character. Why do you think the squire is part of this novel? What themes emerge through the squire’s role in the story?

Honor, religion, and compassion are three main subjects explored in the story. What is the author’s position with regard to each subject? Use specific quotes from the text to support your answers.

The novel’s opening portrays Lázaro with his family. Describe his family members and each of their conflicts. What does the family’s plight reveal about religion, honor, and Lázaro’s society at large? Why do you think the author only names Lázaro and his family while identifying the others by their occupations?