Lazarillo de Tormes: Analysis of Masters and Social Satire

The Squire

The Squire is the third master of Lazarillo. He represents the false appearances of the time. Lazarillo initially believes he is a man of wealth and many possessions, but he is surprised to find the opposite is true. In this case, the roles between master and servant change: the squire depends on Lazarillo rather than Lazarillo depending on the squire. Eventually, the squire abandons him, and Lazarillo returns to the streets.

Fraile de la Merced

This is the fourth master of Lazarillo. He is the one who gives Lazarillo his first pair of shoes. He is a corrupt and promiscuous friar. Lazarillo's cravings at this point are not for women but for food, which causes him to leave. Once again, Lazarillo returns to begging on the streets.

The Buldero

This is the fifth master of Lazarillo. Lazarillo does not have many dealings with him, which is why he leaves. He is the most false and unscrupulous master in the entire novel, representing religious hypocrisy. The Pardoner sells bulls only to profit from earnings, convincing people to buy them through deception. He even makes a pact with a sheriff to stage a "drama" where the sheriff pretends to die and is miraculously revived by the bulls to trick people into believing they are divine.

The Artist-Painter

The artist-painter is the sixth master of Lazarillo, though he spends very little time with him. This master represents the cultured and artistic Renaissance of the time. Soon, Lazarillo leaves him.

The Chaplain

The chaplain is the seventh master of Lazarillo. He is an opportunist who uses others for profit. He offers Lazarillo his first paying job. Lazarillo spends four years with this master, earning enough money to buy clothes and a sword. Once he achieves his goal, he leaves his master and his trade.

The Sheriff

The sheriff is the eighth master of Lazarillo. He represents the law of that time. Lazarillo finds the sheriff's office to be very dangerous, so he leaves him.

The Archpriest of San Salvador

The ninth and final master of Lazarillo. He is the man who facilitates the marriage between Lazarillo and his wife. He also represents the corruption of the clergy, as there are rumors in the area regarding an affair between the Archpriest and Lazarillo's wife.

The Maid of the Archpriest

The woman whom Lazarillo marries, and who brings him a measure of happiness. Once he marries her, his hunger is satisfied, and he achieves stability in his life.