Gil Blas: Analysis of Major Characters
"Gil Blas of Santillane" is a significant work that follows the adventures of its titular character, Gil Blas, as he navigates a tumultuous life filled with various masters, ultimately transforming from a rogue into a country gentleman. The narrative presents a cast of vivid characters who influence Gil's journey, including his father, Blas of Santillane, and his uncle, Gil Pérez, who sets him on a path to education at the University of Salamanca. Throughout his escapades, Gil encounters numerous figures, such as Antonia, his first wife, and Dorothea, his second wife, highlighting themes of love and loss.
Gil's experiences with a range of masters, from the questionable Doctor Sangrado to the ambitious Duke of Lerma, reflect social hierarchies and the complexities of human relationships. Key characters like Captain Rolando and Donna Mencia introduce elements of adventure and moral dilemmas, while friends such as Fabricio and Scipio provide guidance and support. This blend of humor, drama, and social commentary makes Gil Blas's journey not only entertaining but also a reflection on the pursuit of identity and stability amidst chaos. The story ultimately serves as a rich tapestry of 17th-century Spanish life, inviting readers to explore its characters and their interconnected fates.
Gil Blas: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Alain-René Lesage
First published: Histoire de Gil Blas de Santillane, 4 volumes; 1715, 1724, 1735; (The History of Gil Blas of Santillane, 1716, 1735)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Spain
Plot: Picaresque
Time: Seventeenth century
Gil Blas of Santillane (heel blahs, sahn-tee-YAHN), a rogue who serves a series of masters and finally ends up a country gentleman.
Blas of Santillane, his father, married to an elderly chambermaid.
Gil Pérez (PEH-rehs), Gil's uncle, a fat canon who gives Gil forty pistoles and a donkey and sends him to the University of Salamanca.
Antonia (ahn-TOH-nyah), a farmer's daughter who becomes Gil's wife. She and their baby daughter die.
Dorothea (doh-roh-TEH-ah), Gil's second wife, with whom he spends his remaining days in Lirias on an estate given him by Don Alfonso.
Scipio (SKEE-pee-oh), Gil's servant, who tries to arrange a marriage with the rich daughter of a goldsmith, an effort ruined by Gil's arrest.
Captain Rolando (rroh-LAHN-doh), a leader of robbers who capture Gil on his way to Salamanca.
Donna Mencia (MEHN-see-ah), a prisoner of the robbers who is rescued by Gil.
Fabricio (fah-BREE-see-oh), Gil's schoolmate, who advises himtogointoservice.
Doctor Sangrado (sahn-GRAH-doh), one of Gil's masters, whose universal remedy is bleedings.
Don Matthias (maht-TEE-ahs), another master, whose fashionable clothes Gil borrows to impress a “fine lady.” She turns out to be a serving maid.
Arsenia (ahr-SEHN-ee-ah), an actress who employs Gil for a short time after Don Matthias is killed in a duel.
Aurora (ow-ROH-rah), a virtuous woman whose love affair with Lewis is furthered by Gil.
Lewis, a college student desired by Aurora. They eventually marry.
Don Alphonso (ahl-FOHN-soh), whom Gil gets appointed governor of Valencia.
The Archbishop, who angrily discharges Gil for criticizing his sermons.
The Duke of Lerma, the prime minister, whom Gil serves as a confidential agent.
Count Olivarez (oh-lee-VAHR-ehs), the new prime minister, who tries unsuccessfully to keep Gil at court.