Essay Questions

Who were the Moors?

The Moors are mentioned in the first chapter when Lazario tells the reader that his father was sent to war to fights against the Moors. But determining who the Moors were slightly complicated because the term "Moors’’ was used in the Middle Ages to make reference to the Muslim European population, Arabs and North African Berbers. The term was used as a derogatory term to make reference to Muslims or other people of color living in various European countries, especially in Spain. In Spain, the Muslims gain control over the southern part of the country and the Spanish government tried for centuries to regain control of the territories it lost. It is thus generally believes that when Lazaro mentions the term Moors, he refers to the Muslim community living in the southern part of Spain.

What are alms?

In the second chapter, Lazaro mentions they he meet the priest when he went to him to get alms. The term alms refers to donations given by wealthy people to those who are in need. These donations can be money, goods, or even less tangible things such as an education. In Christianity, alms are considered an important part of the faith and the religious devotees are often encouraged to fast and five alms as a way of having their sins forgiven.

Who was a squire?

The second master Lazaro serves is a squire that is preoccupied with how the others around him perceive him. But who was a squire? A squire was generally considered as being a knight-in-training and his main job was serving a knight. The term evolved in time and it ended up referring to various members of the upper class such as lord of the manor or even members of the parliament. The definition of a squire changed over time and it is easy to assume that Lazaro’s master was not a knight’s apprentice but rather a man who was born in a wealthy family and who inherited some land. This gave him the possibility of taking the squire title.