I. Where Lazaro Tells about How He Left Toledo to Go to the War of Algiers

In the first chapter of “The Life of Lazarillo of Tormes,” Lazaro shares the story of a significant change in his life, leading him to the war in Algiers. He starts by reflecting on his good fortune in Toledo, where he lived comfortably, was well-dressed, and had a job that would be envied by many. Despite this, drawn by a desire for adventure and to follow in his father’s footsteps, he decides to join a fleet heading to Algiers, aiming to show courage and serve under a valiant captain. Before departing, he leaves his wife and daughter in the care of the archpriest of Toledo, confident that they will be well taken care of.

Lazaro’s journey to Cartagena, from where he intends to embark, turns his fortunes. In Murcia, he encounters a disheveled man at an inn who turns out to be a former master of his, a squire he served in Toledo. The squire is in a dire state, wearing patched and mismatched clothes, a clear decline from his previous stature. The squire recounts his own misadventure since their last meeting, involving being tricked by a veiled woman who led him on a wild goose chase to Madrid under the pretext of seeking justice against a man who dishonored her. Upon reaching Madrid, the woman abandons him for a group of soldiers, leaving the squire ridiculed and without recourse. This event marks a significant downturn in the squire’s fortunes, leading him to his current state of poverty and desperation.

Through Lazaro’s narrative of his own change of fortune and the squire’s fall from grace, the chapter paints a vivid picture of the unpredictability of life and the whims of fate. The themes of adventure, the desire for a legacy beyond the mundane, and the harsh realities of the world are explored through the lens of Lazaro’s and the squire’s experiences, setting the stage for the trials and tribulations that Lazaro would face himself. The chapter closes with a sense of anticipation for what the future holds for Lazaro as he proceeds with his journey, leaving Toledo and its familiar faces behind.