Guzmán de Alfarache: Analysis of Major Characters
"Guzmán de Alfarache" is a significant work that explores the life of its titular character, Guzmán, who embodies the archetype of a rogue navigating the complexities of society in 16th-century Spain and Italy. The narrative follows Guzmán's evolution from a street-smart trickster to a galley slave, highlighting his struggle for survival in a world rife with deception. Key figures in Guzmán's life include his father, Don Guzmán, who faces his own downfall due to gambling, and various mentors and adversaries who influence Guzmán's decisions and moral compass.
Throughout the story, characters such as a corrupt innkeeper, a vengeful uncle, and a scheming supposed friend contribute to Guzmán's understanding of human nature and the pitfalls of trust. His relationships, particularly with his two wives—one of whom deceives him—underscore themes of betrayal and the quest for authenticity. The narrative culminates in Guzmán’s decision to turn his life around after revealing a conspiracy among fellow slaves, illustrating his inner conflict between self-preservation and ethical conduct. This complex interplay of characters and events offers a rich commentary on societal norms and the human condition, making "Guzmán de Alfarache" a compelling study of character development and moral ambiguity.
Guzmán de Alfarache: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: Mateo Alemán
First published: Part I, 1599; Part II, 1604 (English translation, 1622)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Spain and Italy
Plot: Picaresque
Time: Sixteenth century
Guzmán de Alfarache (gewz-MAHN deh ahl-fah-RAHchay), a rogue who early learns he must trick or be tricked. He lives by his wits in Spain and Italy until caught and sentenced to life imprisonment as a galley slave. Winning a pardon by revealing the slaves' conspiracy to seize the vessel, he determines to lead an exemplary life.
Don Guzmán, his father. Cheated by a partner in Genoa, he recovers most of his money in Seville. When he becomes rich, he buys an estate in San Juan de Alfarache and takes a mistress, whom he eventually marries. Addicted to gambling and high living, he dies penniless.
A muleteer, who teaches Guzmán the world's crookedness.
Two friars, who hire animals from the muleteer.
A constable, who arrests and severely beats Guzmán, thinking he is a thieving page.
An innkeeper, who hires Guzmán and teaches him to cheat travelers.
A captain of soldiers, with whom Guzmán plans to travel to Italy.
Don Beltrán (behl-TRAHN), Guzmán's uncle in Genoa, who orders the servants to beat his nephew. The boy gets revenge by tricking him out of jewelry.
A cardinal, who thinks the fake sores on Guzmán's legs are real and who gives him money and a job. He soon discharges Guzmán for stealing.
The French ambassador, who hires Guzmán for intrigues.
Sayavedra (sah-yah-BAY-drah), a supposed friend who rifles Guzmán's possessions but later helps him cheat the rich of Florence.
Alexandro Bentivoglio (ah-layk-SAHN-droh behn-teeBOH-glyoh), a thieves' fence.
Guzmán's first wife, who is not the heiress she pretends to be.
Guzmán's second wife, who helps him rob wealthy men and then deserts him for an Italian sea captain.
Soto (SOH-toh), a fellow galley slave of Guzmán who plots the seizure of the ship. In revenge for a previous wrong committed against him by Soto, Guzmán reports the plot, and Soto is executed. The grateful ship's captain frees Guzmán from the oars.