Pity and Self-Interest in Lázaro’s Relationships

This thread follows the shifts between compassion, resentment, loyalty, and calculation in Lázaro’s connections with others.

increasingBearing stren­gth in each eventdecreasing

Fear of Zaide

First Impressions Give Way A Child’s Fear Lázaro fears Zaide’s dark skin and rough appearance when he first sees him. Affection Through Care Food and fuel change the child’s judgment, suggesting that practical generosity can overcome initial suspicion.

Anger Toward 盲人

Gratitude Cannot Erase Injury

Mercy for the Squire

Sympathy Replaces Resentment A Change in Judgment Lázaro sees that his master’s failure to feed him comes from poverty rather than deliberate withholding. Unequal Kindness He would rather serve this helpless man than the miserly masters who possessed resources and denied him food.

Regret After Escape

Victory Brings a Complicated Feeling

Defending His Wife

Attachment Meets Self-Protection Love Declared Lázaro says that his wife is the person he loves most and refuses to hear slander. A Calculated Quiet His devotion also secures the arrangement that supports his household and public standing.

At the beginning of Zaide’s visits to the household

After the wine-jug assault

After Lázaro learns the squire has no money

Immediately after Lázaro flees from 盲人

In the closing exchange about the rumors