II. How Lazaro Embarked at Cartagena

Lazarillo of Tormes recounts his experiences of hardship and survival, portraying a vivid image of his life and the characters he encountered. Forced to leave his previous masters due to uncontrollable circumstances, Lazarillo finds himself alone and mocked by the people around him for his ragged appearance. Despite the hardships, he embraces a sense of resilience, spurred by the belief that perseverance in adversity could yield greater rewards than the losses faced.

Lazarillo’s journey takes a dramatic turn when he embarks on a ship at Cartagena, filled with the hope of escaping his dismal situation. However, the voyage quickly becomes perilous as a storm brews, pushing the ship and its passengers to the brink of despair. Amid the chaos of the storm, where fear and the anticipation of death grip the passengers and crew, Lazarillo’s focus shifts to survival—his instincts drive him to the ship’s hold, where he indulges in the provisions stored away, a testament to his knack for seizing opportunities in the face of imminent doom.

The narrative also unfolds the stark contrast in human behavior during crises, from the desperation seen in passengers confessing their sins to unlikely saviors, to Lazarillo’s unique approach to facing death. He doesn’t succumb to fear; instead, he humorously confesses people who are too agonized to speak, unabashedly prioritizing his survival by eating and drinking as if to prepare for the afterlife.

In a striking display of irony and wit, Lazarillo details his interaction with a dying corporal, whose last wish is to confess a sin. He cleverly commutes the corporal’s penance, offering a peculiar yet humorous form of absolution that highlights Lazarillo’s adaptive and quick-witted nature.

As the ship succumbs to the sea’s fury, encapsulating the doom faced by its passengers, Lazarillo’s account does not turn to despair but arguably adopts a tone of dark comedy. His description of being so full that he negates the very threat of drowning brings a surreal layer to his survival story, underlining the narrative’s inherent critique of societal norms and the human condition.

Lazarillo’s tale, marked by its vivid characterizations, satirical undertones, and a keen portrayal of human resilience and folly, offers a rich glimpse into the life of an individual whose fortunes and misfortunes are as much a product of his circumstances as they are of his cunning and will to survive.