Lazarillo de Tormes: Masters and Life Lessons

The Masters of Lázaro de Tormes

The Blind Man

This is the first master; he is a very clever man despite his lack of sight. He is the first and most influential figure for Lázaro. Through his own jargon and the ways of the blind, he taught the boy how to survive. He is always competing with Lázaro because he takes away the food, although the blind man was confident enough that when they parted, Lázaro left him trusting a leap that landed him in the middle of a stream. This master teaches him how to beg and explains it is a good way to earn money. Lázaro remains grateful for the long-term lessons the blind man taught him.

The Clergyman

The second master, the Clergyman, is extremely greedy. He is the master who makes Lázaro suffer the most hunger, preferring to eat everything himself. He always blames "hell" for anything bad that happens. Despite the hunger he causes, he never hits or abuses Lázaro, even when he realizes Lázaro was the one stealing from him. From this character, Lázaro learns that the Church is not always good, though in reality, this is a specific critique as not all priests are like that.

The Squire

The Squire behaves well toward Lázaro but provides very little food. He is a pleasant person who fails to meet his promises, such as claiming he never eats when he actually does. He claims to own land in Old Castile, which is untrue. From this character, Lázaro learns that one should not pretend to be something they are not, as being found out is truly embarrassing.

The Monk

The fourth master, the Monk, was a great enemy of prayer and eating at the convent. He loved to go outside the convent, conduct business, and visit secular people. What Lázaro learns from the Monk is not to be idle during long walks, though he truly did not learn any lasting values from him.

The Pardoner

The Pardoner was a person who sold Papal Bulls. He was a swindler who badly deceived the innocents to whom he sold the Bulls. The priests and clerics gave him gifts like lettuce, limes, and oranges to facilitate the ruse and ensure he was believed. Lázaro learns that one should not be such a liar, as it will end badly if you are ever caught.

The Tambourine Painter (Pintapanderos)

With very little time spent with him, Lázaro says he received only abuse. Personally, I believe that Lázaro did not learn anything because he spent too little time with him, or at least the text says little about his time there.

The Chaplain

The Chaplain gave Lázaro a donkey and four jars of water to sell. This was the first job where he earned commissions. Lázaro remained in these conditions for four years, gradually saving money until his situation improved. Eventually, he left the office. What he learned from the Chaplain is the importance of being thrifty, as his savings allowed him to move forward.

The Sheriff

This is the last of his owners. Lázaro did not live long with him because it seemed like a dangerous profession. I think Lázaro learned about the pursuit of justice, even though the deputies were not always fair.