Lazarillo de tormes 2 tratado – Embark on a captivating journey with Lazarillo de Tormes, a young boy navigating the treacherous streets of 16th-century Spain in the second tratado of the renowned picaresque novel. Prepare to be captivated by his adventures as he encounters a cast of unforgettable characters, confronts social injustices, and grapples with his own identity.
The second tratado of Lazarillo de Tormes is a poignant exploration of poverty, hunger, and the search for meaning in a world marked by inequality. Through Lazarillo’s experiences, we gain a glimpse into the harsh realities of life in early modern Spain and the enduring human spirit that persists amidst adversity.
Historical Context
The novel Lazarillo de Tormes, published in 1554, is widely attributed to the anonymous author known as the “Anonymous of Salamanca.” It is considered a seminal work of Spanish literature and a prime example of the picaresque genre.
The 16th century in Spain was a time of great social and cultural upheaval. The rise of the Spanish Empire and the influx of wealth from the New World led to a growing gap between the rich and the poor.
The pícaro, a wandering rogue who lived by his wits, became a common figure in Spanish society. The picaresque genre, which depicted the adventures of these rogues, emerged as a popular form of literature that reflected the social realities of the time.
The Pícaro
- The pícaro was often a young man from a poor background who had to rely on his wits to survive.
- He was typically a resourceful and cunning individual who was not afraid to bend the rules.
- The pícaro’s adventures often involved encounters with corrupt officials, greedy merchants, and other unsavory characters.
The Picaresque Genre
- The picaresque genre is characterized by its episodic structure, which follows the protagonist’s adventures as he travels from place to place.
- The picaresque novel typically employs a first-person narrator who provides a satirical and often humorous account of his experiences.
- The picaresque genre has been influential in the development of later literary genres, such as the bildungsroman and the realist novel.
Plot Summary
The second tratado of Lazarillo de Tormes continues the picaresque adventures of the young protagonist, Lazarillo. It is structured as a series of episodic encounters that highlight the harsh realities of 16th-century Spanish society.
Lazarillo’s journey takes him through various social strata, from the poverty of his childhood to the relative comfort of his service with the chaplain. Along the way, he encounters a diverse cast of characters, including a greedy squire, a corrupt friar, and a self-righteous hermit.
Structure
The second tratado is notable for its episodic structure, which allows Lazarillo to encounter a wide range of characters and experiences. This structure reflects the picaresque tradition, which often features a protagonist who travels from place to place, encountering different social types and satirizing their vices.
The tratado also uses flashbacks to provide context for Lazarillo’s present circumstances. These flashbacks reveal the poverty and abuse he endured as a child, as well as the cunning and resourcefulness he developed to survive.
Character Analysis
Lazarillo’s character undergoes significant development in the second tratado. He becomes more independent and resourceful, learning to navigate the harsh realities of life on his own. He also becomes more cynical and jaded, as he witnesses the corruption and hypocrisy of the people around him.One
of the most significant changes in Lazarillo’s character is his growing sense of independence. In the first tratado, he is a helpless child who is dependent on others for his survival. However, in the second tratado, he learns to fend for himself and becomes increasingly self-reliant.
He finds work as a water carrier, a street performer, and a servant, and he learns to survive on his own wits.Lazarillo’s growing independence is also accompanied by a growing sense of cynicism and jadedness. He witnesses the corruption and hypocrisy of the people around him, and he learns that the world is not a fair place.
He sees how the rich and powerful exploit the poor and weak, and he learns that honesty and integrity are often punished.
Lazarillo de Tormes’ 2nd treatise reveals the complexities of human nature. Like the ancient dictum in real estate , ‘location, location, location,’ Lazarillo’s experiences teach the importance of surroundings in shaping one’s destiny. As he navigates through various masters, he witnesses the impact of their social status, morals, and values on his own development.
The Blind Man
The blind man is the first of Lazarillo’s masters in the second tratado. He is a cruel and manipulative man who exploits Lazarillo’s innocence. He forces Lazarillo to beg for him and steals his money. He also beats Lazarillo and treats him like a slave.Lazarillo’s
relationship with the blind man is a complex one. On the one hand, he hates the blind man for his cruelty and exploitation. On the other hand, he also feels sorry for the blind man, who is lonely and isolated.
Lazarillo eventually leaves the blind man, but he never forgets the lessons he learned from him.
The Priest
The priest is another of Lazarillo’s masters in the second tratado. He is a greedy and hypocritical man who uses his position to enrich himself. He forces Lazarillo to steal food for him and sells indulgences to the poor.Lazarillo’s relationship with the priest is a more straightforward one than his relationship with the blind man.
He despises the priest for his greed and hypocrisy. Lazarillo eventually leaves the priest, but he never forgets the lessons he learned from him.
The Squire
The squire is the last of Lazarillo’s masters in the second tratado. He is a proud and arrogant man who is obsessed with his appearance. He forces Lazarillo to polish his shoes and brush his clothes.Lazarillo’s relationship with the squire is a more complex one than his relationships with the blind man and the priest.
On the one hand, he admires the squire’s pride and dignity. On the other hand, he also resents the squire’s arrogance and superficiality. Lazarillo eventually leaves the squire, but he never forgets the lessons he learned from him.
Themes and Motifs
The second tratado of Lazarillo de Tormes delves into a profound exploration of societal issues and the human condition. Through the lens of poverty, hunger, and social injustice, the narrative unveils the harsh realities faced by the marginalized in 16th-century Spain.
Poverty and Hunger
Poverty and hunger permeate every aspect of Lazarillo’s life. From his childhood spent begging on the streets to his servitude in various households, he endures constant deprivation and starvation. The motif of food becomes a poignant symbol of this struggle, as Lazarillo’s hunger drives him to desperate measures and highlights the stark inequalities of society.
Social Injustice
The second tratado exposes the rampant social injustice prevalent during the time. Lazarillo witnesses firsthand the corruption and hypocrisy of those in power, who exploit the poor and powerless for their own gain. Through his experiences, the narrative critiques the rigid class structure and the systemic oppression faced by the marginalized.
Search for Identity
Amidst the adversity he faces, Lazarillo embarks on a quest for self-discovery and identity. Through his encounters with different masters and situations, he learns to navigate the complexities of society and forge his own path. The motif of blindness, both literal and metaphorical, represents the challenges he faces in understanding his place in the world and finding a sense of belonging.
Deception
Deception is a prevalent motif throughout the second tratado. Lazarillo resorts to cunning and trickery to survive in a hostile environment. However, his deception is often met with harsh consequences, highlighting the moral complexities of his actions and the societal pressures that force him to compromise his integrity.
Literary Style
Lazarillo de Tormes stands out for its unique literary style, characterized by its humorous tone, ironic perspective, and realistic depiction of society. The author masterfully employs humor to satirize human follies and social injustices, creating a compelling and entertaining narrative.
Use of Humor and Irony
Lazarillo’s humor often stems from the protagonist’s witty observations and the juxtaposition of his naivete with the cunning of those around him. Through irony, the author highlights the hypocrisy and absurdity of society, revealing the gap between appearances and reality.
Language and Colloquialisms
The novel’s language is rich in slang, proverbs, and colloquialisms, reflecting the speech patterns of the lower classes. This colloquial language adds authenticity and immediacy to the narrative, immersing the reader in the world of Lazarillo and his companions.
By employing a blend of humor, irony, and realistic language, Lazarillo de Tormes creates a vivid and engaging literary experience that both entertains and challenges the reader’s perceptions of society.
Influence and Legacy: Lazarillo De Tormes 2 Tratado
Lazarillo de Tormesexerted a profound influence on Spanish literature, particularly the picaresque genre. Its innovative narrative style and social commentary resonated deeply with readers and inspired countless subsequent works.
Influence on the Picaresque Genre
- Lazarilloestablished the key characteristics of the picaresque novel: a first-person narrator from a lower social class, a series of episodic adventures, and a satirical portrayal of society.
- It set the tone for the picaresque genre’s focus on realism, social criticism, and the protagonist’s journey of self-discovery and survival.
- Later picaresque novels, such as El Buscónby Francisco de Quevedo and Guzmán de Alfaracheby Mateo Alemán, drew heavily on Lazarillo‘s structure and themes.
Legacy in Contemporary Society, Lazarillo de tormes 2 tratado
Lazarillo de Tormescontinues to be relevant in contemporary society for several reasons:
- Its social commentary on poverty, inequality, and corruption remains timely and thought-provoking.
- The protagonist’s journey of survival and self-discovery resonates with readers of all backgrounds.
- The novel’s satirical portrayal of society and human nature provides a valuable perspective on the human condition.
Query Resolution
What is the significance of the second tratado in Lazarillo de Tormes?
The second tratado expands upon the themes introduced in the first, delving deeper into Lazarillo’s experiences and exploring the social and economic realities of 16th-century Spain.
How does Lazarillo’s character develop throughout the second tratado?
Lazarillo grows more independent and resourceful, but he also faces new challenges and temptations. His experiences shape his worldview and ultimately lead him to question his place in society.
What are some of the major themes explored in the second tratado?
Poverty, hunger, social injustice, and the search for identity are central themes that are woven throughout the narrative.
