In El valor literario del Lázaro de 1555, the author shows that this continuation of the Segunda parte del Lazarillo de Tormes can be properly classified as a picaresque novel, and not just in the tradition of the Lucianesque satirical genre, given the many characteristics of the pícaro that Lázaro de Tormes presents as well as the structural elements of the novel itself. The author also discusses Lázaro’s character development in the original work of 1554, the continuation of 1555, and the one of 1620. For example, the essential characteristics of good humor and wittiness of the original Lázaro of 1554 are also present in the continuation of 1555. However, they nearly disappear in the 1620 work of Juan de Luna. In addition, the roles of the female characters and their importance in Lázaro’s life are compared in those same three works. Finally, Lázaro’s metamorphosis from man to tuna fish and back, and his relationship with his personal God are also topics of discussion.

Dr. PIERINA BECKMAN is an Associate Professor in the Spanish Department at the University of North Texas. A native of Mexico City, Beckman researches Golden Age Spanish literature and contemporary Spanish writers. Her education includes a Ph.D. and an M.A. in Spanish literature from the University of Iowa, and a B.A. in International Studies and Spanish from Graceland University.

Republication of this book has been made possible in part by a major grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities: Exploring the human endeavor.​

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