The importance of appearance
A theme discussed in the novel is the idea that appearance is extremely important. Many of Lazaro’s masters are concerned with the way they are perceived by others and they do everything they can to make sure that other see them in a positive light. The priest likes to appear pious in front of the others but in reality he doesn’t care about those who need help and starves Lazaro regularly. He is also extremely violent and Lazaro notes that he has the habit of eating the bread that was supposed to be used during communion. Another character extremely interested in appearances is the squire who even though did not have any type of money, liked to pretend that he did and was reluctant to admit that he was broke. Lazaro pities those who behave in such a way, considering them as being worthy of compassion.
Religious hypocrisy
One of the reasons why the book was so unpopular at the time of release was because the narrator criticized religion in general and the hypocrisy of various religious leaders. Lazaro talks about the war against the Moors and how the Church was responsible for starting it. The religious leaders also liked to boast about their goodness and with the things they did for the poor but Lazaro points out that the priests and friars he meet were not like that and that he was mistreated by them, beaten and keep hungry all the time.
The life of the poor
Lazaro was a man born into a poor family and thus he suffered all his life because of this. Lazaro presents the life of the poor in Spain and how the government perpetuated even further the gap that existed between the poor and the rich. When Lazaro talks about his life, the reader is left with the impression that he is trapped in a never ending circle from which he will never be able to escape. Lazaro knows this but he also knows that there is little he can do so he appears to be content with the place he is given in society.
