Dos Novelas Picarescas: Lazarillo de Tormes / Gil Blas de Santillana

Two famous picaresque novels are here condensed and adapted by William T. Tardy, and serve as an ideal introduction to Hispanic literature for third year students. In adapting these classics, Tardy has avoided difficult grammatical structures and has replaced archaic language. Marginal vocabulary definitions are entirely in Spanish whenever possible. The picaresque novel is a popular form of literature in Spain. Originally a form of social and political satire, it shows society viewed from below. The "picaro" is a poor person who tries to escape poverty and hunger by serving a variety of masters. Especially adapted for intermediate students. [Text of stories in Spanish]