# Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, Author of Lazarillo de Tormes explained — The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes

> Chapter companion for The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes by Anonymous.

## What happens

This chapter provides a biographical sketch of Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza, the presumed author of Lazarillo de Tormes. It details his noble birth in Granada, his education at Salamanca where he wrote the novel, his distinguished career as a soldier, diplomat, and scholar serving Charles V, and his later years in retirement, where he composed poetry and the historical work 'Guerra de Granada.' The chapter emphasizes his intellectual achievements, his library, and his legacy.

## Themes in this chapter

### Social Class and Mobility

Diego's noble birth and his rise to prominence through service and scholarship illustrate the role of class and merit in Spanish society.

### Honor and Appearance

Diego's career as a diplomat and his later retirement reflect the importance of reputation and honor in noble life.

## Character check-ins

### Don Diego Hurtado de Mendoza

The author of Lazarillo de Tormes, born in 1503, educated at Salamanca, and later a diplomat and scholar.

### Charles V

Emperor who appreciated Diego's abilities and appointed him as Ambassador to Venice.

### Doña Eleanor Hurtado

Mentioned as part of the family lineage, though not directly involved in the narrative.

### Maria de Haro

Mentioned in the context of family connections, though not a central figure.

## Key lines

> In this romantic spot Diego was born in the year 1503, and he passed his early years with his brothers and sisters there.

Diego was born in a picturesque location in 1503 and spent his childhood with his siblings.

_This establishes the author's birth and early life, connecting to the novel's opening._

> While he was a student at Salamanca Don Diego wrote Lazarillo de Tormes.

Diego wrote Lazarillo de Tormes during his time as a student at Salamanca.

_This directly links the author to the creation of the novel._

> He bequeathed it to Philip II, and it is now in the Escurial.

He left his library to Philip II, and it is now housed in the Escurial.

_This highlights his legacy and the preservation of his collection._

## Links

- HTML: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_lazarillo_de_tormes_se/chapters/don-diego-hurtado-de-mendoza-author-of-lazarillo-de-tormes
- Book: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_lazarillo_de_tormes_se
- All chapters: https://www.betterreads.online/discover/the_life_of_lazarillo_de_tormes_se/chapters