Gil Blas · Chapter
XIII explained
Gil Blas is freed from prison after the little chorister of Mondognedo and others testify to his innocence.
What happens
Gil Blas is freed from prison after the little chorister of Mondognedo and others testify to his innocence. He is stripped of his clothes and given an old frock before being released. He thanks the chorister, who lends him money, and then travels toward Burgos. He stops at an inn in Ponte de Mula, where the landlady treats him poorly due to his shabby appearance, and he sleeps in the barn.
Themes in this chapter
Social Class and Mobility
Gil Blas's shabby frock leads to poor treatment at the inn, highlighting how appearance dictates social standing and access to basic comforts.
Deception and Appearance
The landlady judges Gil Blas solely by his worn clothing, mistaking his true identity and circumstances.
Characters to notice
- Gil Blas
Released from prison, stripped of his clothes, given an old frock, and lent money by the chorister; travels toward Burgos.
- Doña Mencía
Gil Blas inquires about her at the inn in Ponte de Mula, hoping to find her for financial help.
Key passages
“While I passed the hours in tickling my fancy with my own gay thoughts, my adventures, word for word, as I had set my hand to them, were current about the town.”
While I amused myself with pleasant daydreams, my written account of my adventures was being circulated throughout the town.
Gil Blas reflects on how his story has become public gossip.
“The corregidor was applied to in my favor, who, no longer doubtful of my innocence, above all when he had heard the chorister’s story, came three weeks afterwards into my cell.”
The magistrate was petitioned on my behalf, and after hearing the chorister's account, he no longer doubted my innocence and visited my cell three weeks later.
The chorister's testimony leads to Gil Blas's release.
“I have an inclination to take the road for Burgos. I may light on my rescued lady; she will give me a little ready cash.”
I plan to go to Burgos, hoping to find the lady I rescued, who might give me some money.
Gil Blas outlines his plan to seek financial help from Doña Mencía.