The Itching Parrot: Analysis of Major Characters
"The Itching Parrot" is recognized as the first novel of Spanish America and follows the journey of Pedro Sarmiento, a young man navigating various professions in search of an easy livelihood. Known as Periquillo, he is the son of upper middle-class parents in Mexico City, with differing aspirations from each. His father, Señor Sarmiento, desires for him to become a tradesman, while his mother, Señora Sarmiento, wishes for him to enter the priesthood, ultimately succumbing to grief over his wayward lifestyle. Throughout the narrative, Pedro engages in numerous occupations including barber, physician, and beggar, eventually finding himself in Manila as a colonel's secretary. Key figures in his life include his schoolmate Januario, who mocks him, and Don Antonio, an unjustly imprisoned man who later becomes a recipient of Pedro's kindness. The story culminates in Pedro's transformation, guided by a priest to embrace a life of respectability, leading to his eventual marriage to Don Antonio's daughter. This analysis of major characters provides insight into the societal norms and moral lessons of the time, reflecting the complexities of personal growth and redemption.
The Itching Parrot: Analysis of Major Characters
Author: José Joaquín Fernández de Lizardi
First published: El periquillo sarniento, 1816 (English translation, 1942)
Genre: Novel
Locale: Mexico
Plot: Picaresque
Time: The 1770's to 1820's
Pedro Sarmiento (sahr-mee-EHN-toh), nicknamed Periquillo (peh-ree-KEE-yoh), meaning “The Itching Parrot,” the young rogue protagonist of Spanish America's first novel. As the son of upper middle-class people of Mexico City, he seeks the easiest way of earning a living. A monk's life is too exhausting. He tries other professions: barber, physician, apothecary, beggar, and finally secretary to a colonel in Manila. Finally, a schoolmate, now a priest, turns him to a prosperous, honest life, resulting in Pedro's marriage and respectability.
Señor Sarmiento, Pedro's father, who wants Pedro to become a tradesman.
Señora Sarmiento,who,wantinghersontobeapriest,dies of grief at his many vices.
Januario (hahn-eew-AHR-ree-oh), a schoolmate who makes a fool of Pedro for his attentions to Januario's cousin, with whom Januario himself is infatuated.
Don Antonio, a good man, unjustly jailed, who helps Pedro. Later, Pedro finds him destitute and aids him.
The Daughter of Don Antonio, who becomes the wife of the reformed Pedro.
A Scrivener, who arranges Pedro's release from jail so that he may serve as the scrivener's secretary.