Anti Virtuous Society in Lazarillo de Tormes
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In Lazarillo de Tormes, the anonymous author narrates an autobiography that highlights the underlying views of a society of false virtues. According to a psychologist by the name Maslow, individuals have a "hierarchy of needs" whereas basic needs must be met before the more abstract ones are considered. Accordingly, in Lazarillo de Tormes, each character is governed by their basic needs of survival through food and acceptance through status. Thus, in Lazarillo's society, those needs replace the virtues, as they falsely portray love, sanctity, and honor.
The protagonist, Lzaro, is motivated throughout his journeys by the need to feed himself. While living with his mother, she becomes intimate with another man who Lzaro was not partial to until, he states, "as soon as I realized that his visits meant better food for us, I grew to like him (p.7)". This man, Zaid, also provided their home with the firewood that kept them warm throughout the winter. As time progresses, he is sent to a blind beggar that can better provide him with food and shelter. However, it is apparent that the only way to obtain sustenance is through thievery...