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Blink 3 of 8 - The 5 AM Club
by Robin Sharma
Lazarillo de Tormes summary
Brief summary
Lazarillo de Tormes is a classic Spanish novel of the picaresque genre. It follows the story of Lazarillo, a young boy who navigates his way through the hardships and corruption of 16th-century Spanish society.
Table of Contents
Lazarillo de Tormes
Summary of key ideas
The Unassuming Birth and Trials of Early Life
In Lazarillo de Tormes, the narrator, Lázaro (known as Lazarillo), recalls his life's journey, starting with his childhood. Born to a miller and a washerwoman near the Tormes River in Spain, Lázaro is named after the river, reinforcing the influence of his humble origins on his existence. His life takes a turn for the worse when his father is executed for theft, and his mother starts a relationship with a black stableman named Zaide, leading to the birth of his half-brother.
Lázaro's mother, unable to sustain the family, gives him to a blind beggar, marking the beginning of his cruel, yet enlightening experiences as an apprentice. The blind man is cunning and abusive, teaching Lázaro life's harsh realities and igniting his cunning nature. This cunningness emerges when he retaliatively and cleverly tricks the blind man, ending their partnership when the blind old man viciously beats him.
From One Master to Another
Moving on, Lázaro serves various masters, each embodying a different aspect of society and contributing to his street-smart education. He moves from the abusive blind man to a miserly priest, from whom Lázaro hardly gets any food. Here, he learns the art of survival, breaking the chest where the priest stores bread and consuming some without leaving any detection signs.
His next stop is serving a penniless squire. The twist here is that Lázaro, although better fed, ends up having to help the squire, who is even poorer than him. He finds two more masters—a friar and a seller of indulgences—whose religious professions are blemished by commercialization and trickery, teaching Lázaro that not all is as it seems in life.
Serving Pardon-Sellers, Parsons, and Pardons
Lázaro's experiences with his fifth master, a rugged friar, and sixth master, a seller of papal indulgences, reinforce his growing perceptiveness of the world's dishonesty. The friar, in the guise of holiness, indulges in questionable activities, while the pardoner uses deceitful tactics to sell his pardons. Lázaro's final master is an archpriest's underling, who lets him live under his generous provisions.
His role as a town crier places him in the public eye, and he marries an archpriest's maid, Elvira, which gives him stability and social respectability. Though rumors are rife about her affair with the priest, Lázaro chooses to turn a blind eye to it, indicating his pragmatic approach and acceptance of the flawed world around him.
The Ending as a New Beginning
The narrative of Lazarillo de Tormes concludes with Lázaro's newfound status in society. Despite his dubious rise and dealings along the way, he moves from being a deprived and abused child to a person of apparent respectability and comfort. His tale encapsulates the harsh realities of life, often camouflaged by apparent morality, religion, and honor.
Lázaro's story, told with a sharp and ironic perspective, is a critique of the society that nurtures and necessitates his cunning and survival instincts. In a way, his narrative concludes not with an ending but a new beginning, where he has learned to navigate life with its deceptive appearances and harsh realities.
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What is Lazarillo de Tormes about?
"Lazarillo de Tormes" is a classic Spanish picaresque novel, believed to have been written in the 16th century. It tells the story of a young boy named Lazarillo who becomes a servant to various masters, each of whom mistreats him in different ways. Through his cunning and resourcefulness, Lazarillo navigates the harsh realities of his time and offers a satirical critique of the social and religious institutions of the era. The novel is considered a significant work in Spanish literature and a precursor to the modern novel.
Lazarillo de Tormes Review
Lazarillo de Tormes (Unknown) is a captivating tale about the life and adventures of a young Spanish boy during the 16th century. Here's why this book is worth reading:
- Embodies the socioeconomic realities of the time, offering a glimpse into the harsh living conditions and struggles faced by the lower class.
- Through the satirical storytelling, it exposes the hypocrisy and corruption present in society, providing an insightful commentary on human nature.
- The protagonist's journey from poverty to survival showcases the indomitable spirit and resilience of the human spirit, inspiring readers along the way.
Who should read Lazarillo de Tormes?
- Curious readers interested in the history of Spanish literature
- Those who enjoy satirical and humorous storytelling
- People who want to explore the themes of poverty and social inequality
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Lazarillo de Tormes FAQs
What is the main message of Lazarillo de Tormes?
The main message of Lazarillo de Tormes is a critique of society and a reflection on the human condition.
How long does it take to read Lazarillo de Tormes?
The reading time for Lazarillo de Tormes varies depending on the reader. However, the Blinkist summary can be read in just 15 minutes.
Is Lazarillo de Tormes a good book? Is it worth reading?
Lazarillo de Tormes is a worthy read as it offers a unique perspective on social inequality and human nature.
Who is the author of Lazarillo de Tormes?
The author of Lazarillo de Tormes is unknown.
What to read after Lazarillo de Tormes?
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