Lazarillo de Tormes: Origins, Structure, and Literary Impact

Lazarillo de Tormes: Birth of the Picaresque Novel

With the publication of Lazarillo de Tormes in 1554, one of the most representative genres of Spanish literature's Golden Age began: the picaresque novel. This groundbreaking work introduced a new literary form with distinct characteristics:

• Pseudo-Autobiographical Story: Narrated by a character of miserable origins.
• Open Structure: Composed of loose scenes in various places with different characters, all connected by the pícaro (rogue).
• Picaresque Character: The protagonist is typically smart, versatile, prudent, wary, and driven by an eagerness for social advancement.
• Explanation of Dishonor: The narrative often culminates in a final statement or situation of dishonor.
• Determinism: The pícaro, often from parents who are thieves or prostitutes, belongs to the lower social strata, highlighting a sense of predetermined fate.

Dating and Authorship of Lazarillo de Tormes

The earliest preserved editions of Lazarillo de Tormes date from 1554, published in Burgos, Antwerp, and Alcalá de Henares. Unfortunately, none of the original sources or other editions from that period have been preserved.

At the end of the work, Lázaro states: "this was the same year in which our victorious emperor, who came to this city Ansignan de Toledo, held court and grand festivities." These references to Toledo's grand festivities suggest the work's setting could be the courts of 1538.

The author of this seminal work remains unknown. Regarding attribution, in the seventeenth century, Friar Jerónimo de Ortega suggested authorship based on the finding of an early draft. Another significant attribution was to Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, a diplomat who governed Siena in 1554. In the 20th century, some researchers proposed authorship to a circle influenced by Erasmus's letters.

Structure of Lazarillo de Tormes

The novel consists of a prologue and seven 'tratados' (treatises or chapters). The autobiographical elements unfold from the prologue itself. Lázaro, as an adult, recounts his story at the request of 'Your Grace' (Vuestra Merced), explaining his 'case.' He begins by narrating his childhood adventures to explain and justify his adult personality. The narrative can be broadly divided into three modules:

1. Module 1: Childhood (with the blind man, the cleric, the squire). This module highlights Lázaro's constant mobility, adapting to different masters and even feeding them.
2. Module 2: Adolescence (with the Friar, the Pardoner, the painter of tambourines). During this period, Lázaro learns new 'arts' and deceptions.
3. Module 3: Youth (with the Chaplain, the Dean). Lázaro eventually settles down and achieves a degree of stability. There are notable discrepancies between the time span of the events described and the time the adult Lázaro dedicates to narrating them; for instance, his childhood up to age 12 is covered in just a few paragraphs.