38 pages • 1 hour read
Lazarillo De Tormes
A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Book Brief
118
Novel • Fiction
Spain • 16th century
1554
Adult
16-18 years
Super Short Summary
Lazarillo de Tormes follows Lázaro, a young boy of low social standing, who narrates his life through episodic adventures, serving various masters to survive. Criticizing the Catholic Church and the aristocracy, the novel uses satire to expose social injustices. Lázaro navigates through challenging circumstances, seeking food and shelter, ultimately becoming a town crier and marrying a maid linked to the archbishop. The book includes discrimination based on race, class, and disability, as well as themes of violence and exploitation.
Humorous
Gritty
Mysterious
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Lazarillo De Tormes offers a compelling glimpse into 16th-century Spanish society, praised for its raw, satirical portrayal of poverty and clever narrative style. Critics admire its influence on the picaresque genre, though some find its episodic structure disjointed. The anonymous authorship adds an intriguing layer, enhancing its mystique and historical value.
Who Should Read Lazarillo De Tormes?
Readers who enjoy picaresque novels with biting social commentary will appreciate Lazarillo De Tormes by Anonymous. Comparable to Don Quixote, it appeals to those who relish satirical tales of survival and cleverness. Fans of Moll Flanders may also enjoy its exploration of the darker aspects of society.
The Blind Man
The Blind Man
Lázaro’s first master, the blind man is a clever and opportunistic figure who teaches Lázaro how to survive by cunning and deception.
The Priest
The Priest
A master who represents the greed and hypocrisy associated with religious institutions, exemplified by his refusal to share food and his obsession with protecting his belongings.
The Squire
The Squire
Lázaro’s master who exemplifies the absurdity of nobility, maintaining appearances while struggling with poverty and refusing to work.
The Friar
The Friar
A character who symbolizes the hypocrisy of the church, outwardly pious but secretly indulgent in worldly pleasures.
The Seller of Indulgences
The Seller of Indulgences
A cunning figure who represents the exploitation of people's religious fears, known for his crafty nature and ability to sell numerous indulgences.
The Archbishop
The Archbishop
A significant character who completes Lázaro’s transformation and embodies the corruption and cynicism of religious authority figures.
118
Novel • Fiction
Spain • 16th century
1554
Adult
16-18 years
Continue your reading experience
Subscribe now to unlock the rest of this Study Guide plus our full library, which features expert-written summaries and analyses of 8,000+ additional titles.