# I: Lazaro Relates the Way of His Birth and Tells Whose Son He Is explained — The Life of Lazarillo de Tormes

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

## What happens

Lazaro introduces himself, explaining his birth in the River Tormes and his parentage. His father, a miller, is accused of theft and banished, dying in a military expedition. His mother then takes up with a Moorish groom named Zayde, who provides for the family but is later caught stealing. After punishment, his mother works at an inn, and Lazaro begins serving guests.

## Themes in this chapter

### Poverty and Hunger

Lazaro's family faces poverty, leading his mother to take up with Zayde for provisions.

### Corruption and Deceit

Zayde steals from the stables, and Lazaro's father is accused of theft, showing the prevalence of corruption among the lower classes.

### Innocence and Experience

Lazaro's childhood observations, such as his brother's reaction to Zayde's skin color, reveal his early loss of innocence.

## Character check-ins

### Lazarillo de Tormes

Narrator and protagonist; recounts his birth and early childhood.

### The Blind Man

Not yet introduced; mentioned in the chapter title as a future master.

### The Archpriest's Maid

Not present in this chapter; mentioned only in the title as a future connection.

## Key lines

> My birth was in the river Tormes, for which reason I have the river for a surname, and it was in this manner.

I was born in the river Tormes, which is why I carry its name as my surname.

_Lazaro explains the origin of his name._

> When I was a child of eight years old, they accused my father of certain misdeeds done to the sacks of those who came to have their corn ground.

At age eight, my father was accused of stealing from the grain sacks of customers.

_Lazaro recounts his father's alleged crime._

> But when I saw that his coming was the sign of better living, I began to like him, for he always brought pieces of meat, bread, and in the winter, fuel to warm us.

I started to like Zayde because his visits meant we had food and warmth.

_Lazaro's acceptance of his stepfather is based on material benefits._

## Links

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