Literary Analysis of Spanish Golden Age Masterpieces

Sonnet XXIII by Garcilaso de la Vega

Here, the poet has reached his full maturity and masters the new art. The theme of these verses, the enjoyment of life, is distinctly Renaissance and reflects a pagan sense of life. To the intimate poetry of earlier stages, he adds the vital joy of the Renaissance, focusing on the theme of carpe diem (seize the day). The excitement for life is evident, an encouragement to enjoy the springtime of life. There is a wealth of adjectives extolling the beauty of women and expressing the value of time.

Another important aspect is the dynamic degradation in the verbs ending the second quatrain, which significantly increases its intensity. The poem's structure is perfectly symmetrical: the two quatrains refer to the beauty of youth, while in both tercets, the poet warns of the need to enjoy this spring, as winter will inevitably come.

Poetic Structure

• Form: A sonnet composed of 14 hendecasyllabic verses of major art.
• Rhyme Scheme: Consonant rhyme with the structure ABBA, ABBA, CDE, DCE.
• Rhythm: A rhythmic accent on the penultimate syllable.
• Poetic Devices: We find two synereses in verses 11 and 14.

Lazarillo de Tormes: The Episode of the Cow's Foot

Topic

Lazarillo feels compassion for his master and gently arranges for the gentleman to dine with him.

Analysis of the Text

The scene begins at the only place to sit in the squire's house: a bench, where Lazarillo sits at one end as a sign of humility. He starts to eat what he has begged for on the street: bread and a piece of cooked cow's foot. This is the only episode where Lazarillo feels solidarity with someone and shares his hard-earned meal. However, having learned much about life, he knows his master would be offended if offered food openly. The affection he feels for his master can be seen in phrases like “unfortunate sir.”

The author's technique for describing the situation is sober, translating feelings into words through specific details. There are moments when the author pauses to provide details about the place, movements, thoughts, and feelings. Direct dialogue is introduced, giving more animation to the narrative. The gentleman speaks and insinuates his hunger without lowering his pride. When the fragment ends, the narrator's voice returns with Lazarillo's perspective.

Perhaps the author's merit lies in combining something as extreme as dire need (reality) with the appearance of whim that the gentleman wishes to project (fiction). Lazarillo is not fooled and feels pity; to help his master without offending him, he plays along with his game. The theme of the gentleman's honor, sustained by his servant who begs for charity, is clearly stated here.