Picaresque Novel: Structure, Themes, and Social Critique
The Picaresque Novel: An Analysis
The picaresque novel, introduced anonymously in the 16th century, represents a critique of the realistic novel of the time. It influenced both literary and social landscapes. Renaissance literature often failed to depict reality, and the picaresque novel opposed the idealized heroes of pastoral or chivalric tales. It introduced a new anti-heroic character who moves in vulgar and poor environments.
Structure and Narrative
The novel is structured as an autobiographical letter addressed to ‘Your Grace,’ where Lázaro recounts his life. It consists of a prologue and seven ‘treaties.’ The prologue justifies the work’s purpose, while the treaties detail the hero’s adventures.
- Prologue and Seven Treaties: The prologue parodies the high style of idealistic novels, recalling chivalric romances. Lázaro then shifts to a plain style, addressing ‘Your Grace.’ In the seventh treaty, ‘Your Grace’ is revealed to be a superior of the Archpriest of San Salvador, who has heard rumors about the Dean and Lázaro’s wife. Lázaro claims to be content and unconcerned by gossip.
Treaties Breakdown
- Treaty 1: The Blind Man
As a boy, Lázaro’s father is imprisoned for theft, and his mother, a meson girl, gives him to a blind man. The blind man is cunning and cruel, teaching Lázaro that he must fend for himself. Lázaro learns hard lessons from the blind man, losing his childhood innocence. - Treaty 2: The Cleric of Maqueda
This part intensifies Lázaro’s hunger. The clergyman is greedy, and Lázaro must use his ingenuity to survive. The need to eat makes Lázaro more resourceful. - Treaty 3: The Squire
The theme of hunger continues. Lázaro serves a proud and poor squire whose empty sense of honor prevents him from working, leading to more debt. - Treaty 4: The Friar of the Merced
This treaty breaks the narrative pace due to its brevity. Lázaro becomes a spectator, narrating his brief service to a monk without any significant anecdote. - Treaty 5: The Pardoner
The pardoner sells bulls (documents with the Pope’s seal) that grant privileges or waive religious obligations. His business leads to protests. Lázaro observes the pardoner’s delusions. - Treaty 6: The Master of Painting, Tambourines, and the Waterboy
Lázaro serves for two months and four years. With his savings, he buys a sword and tries to appear respectable. - Treaty 7: The Archpriest of San Salvador
Lázaro considers a state with a sheriff but abandons it as dangerous. After many hardships, he becomes the town herald. The Dean gives him a house and tasks him with proclaiming their wines.
The Anti-Hero
One of the most innovative elements is the protagonist, an anti-hero who evolves throughout the work. The novel presents an ironic educational process, as Lázaro, the narrator, is an amoral and materialistic man who accepts his degradation and proudly sets himself as an example.
Themes and Intentions
The novel uses mockery and humor, but also social and religious criticism, influenced by Erasmianism. The overall tone is gentle irony and humor. The novel questions personal virtue versus lineage, reflecting a burning issue of the time.
Style
The language is natural, simple, and often colloquial, adding realism and verisimilitude to the novel.