Essay Questions

How and why is the life of Don Pablos full of misfortunes?

The author introduces Don Pablos as a child who grows up under the care of irresponsible parents. The father is a thief and the mother is a witch implying that Don Pablos has no immediate role model. Pablos decides to take a different route from that taken by his parents but fate seems to be against him. He chooses to do the right thing but unfortunately, he adopts shortcuts towards his set goals. His love relationship with Dona Anna also fails and every encounter in Pablos’ life is unsuccessful. Therefore, Don Pablos' life is full of bad luck but he keeps on trying to be a better person.

What is the main theme in El Buscón (The Swindler)?

Malleability emerges as the main theme in the book because Pablos is flexible enough to embrace new challenges. Pablos is brought up by criminal parents but he is supple enough to choose a different route in his life. For instance, he chooses to go to school. However, he is intimidated by other students and he decides to quit. Similarly, After the execution of his brother, Pablos does not give up with life but he chooses to soldier on.

How does the author discuss the impact of nature in Pablos' life?

Pablos is portrayed by the author as an individual who is shaped by the environment around him. For instance, he lacks role models to look up to because his father is hanged and the mother is imprisoned. His parents are criminals and after the law catches up with them, Pablos is left to hustler in this life alone. He falls out of school not because of will but circumstances. When he grows up, bills catch up with him but he uses his manipulative tactics to survive by cheating people to give him money. Consequently, Pablos is a character who is shaped up by nature and he continues to survive based on his ability to change as the environment shifts.